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THE 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE 

OF 

STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS, 


PART I. 


CONTAINING A SHORT HISTORY OF EXPLOSIONS, 



CONTAINING THE CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE, 

WITH * 

SOME OF THE AUTHORS EXPERIMENTS, 

TO WHICH IS ADDED 

A DESCRIPTION OF A VERY IMPORTANT INVENTION RELATING TO ALL 
IRON HEAT DEFUSING DEVICES, OR APPARATUSES J TO PREVENT THE 
GENERATION OF THE UNHEALTHY ATMOSPHERE, WHICH IS 
RADIATED FROM ALL IRON HEATED SURFACES, NOW IN 
USE, SUCH AS STOVES, FURNACES &C. 

BY JACOB HARSHMAN. 
DAYTON, 0. 


GAZETTE COMPANY, PRINT. 












T T 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1855, 

BY JACOB HARSHMAN, 

In the Clerks office of the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. 




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'"X "W. Cb S~ 


PREFACE. 


In presenting the following little work to the public, the writer is 
well aware that it will meet with much opposition, as it is well known 
that it is a prevailing belief, (especially with scientific men,) that 
steam boiler explosions are only the results of the ignorance, incom¬ 
petency, and negligence of those entrusted with steam machinery ; 
which is wholy at variance with the views, arguments, and experi¬ 
ments presented in the following pages. All that is solicited, (of those 
that have any concern with steam machinery,) is, to give both sides 
of the subject a fair and thorough investigation; not only theoretically, 
but, practically. This mode of testing all things, ideas, and theories 
whether old or new, is the onty true method. Any theory that will 
not stand a practical investigation is not true, and should be abandoned 
by every intelligent being. It is very improper and highly pernicious 
to propagate popular theories old or new, that will not hold true in 
practice ; not only that in many instances it causes the destruction of 
many lives, and much property, but, it has the tyranical tendency to 
deter many men from investigating in opposition to such popular the¬ 
ories, thereby retarding that advancement and progression, which is 
so necessary for the welfare and happiness of mankind. 

The elements connected with steam machinery are very dangerous, 
and under certain conditions become ungovernable ; and have hereto¬ 
fore been entirely beyond the control of the most judicious engineers. 

I do not wish it to be understood in this connection however, that I 
consider a legitimate regulation with regard to steam navigation as 
useless. There are other perils attending navigation besides “explo¬ 
sions ; ” such may be within the control of the moral and judicious 
discipline of navigators. 

The subject under consideration is strictly, that, relating to steam 



4 


PREFACE. 


boiler explosions—which is intended for the investigation, and use of 
practical men. 

Having first ascertained by mathematical computation, that simple 
steam pressure expansion, is inadequate to violently explode steam 
boilers, and project fragments to great distances, a series of ex- 
periments were made to ascertain the true cause, and if possible its 
preventive. These experiments have proven that the above named 
calculations were correct. And after the close of these experiments — 
the history of steam boiler explosions was collected as far as it could 
be obtained; which proved to harmonize with the experiments, as well 
as to prove that the expansive force of simple steam, has nothing to 
do with it, as the sequel will show. 

An extract of the history of steam boiler explosions, is placed fore¬ 
most in the following pages, as it is thought to be most proper to lay 
before the reader first. 

The arguments in the following pages will be condensed as much 
as possible, to avoid prolixity, and prevent their being extended beyond 
intended limits. 

Dayton, Ohio, March, 1855. 


PART I. 


Nature in her infinite laboratory, presents an infinite variety of 
phenomena, which are the results of analysis and synthesis. In 
the former case separation presents the original quality of principle 
and material; while in the latter case combination presents the new, 
or combined quality of original principles, and materials. Under 
those two heads there is an infinite variety of changes produced in 
nature. Man must study nature if he wishes to become acquainted 
with her laws; which are as numerous as there are combinations of 
materials. Every new combination presents a law peculiar and adapted 
to its combination only — and every further combination of materials 
presents a law corresponding to such combination. Analysis of mate¬ 
rials, or elements serve as causes which produce results corresponding 
to the isolated state of such elements. So with combination, every 
addition of element, produces a new result corresponding to such new 
compound. 

The true philosopher can find his way step by step through the 
great complication of nature by investigating from cause to effect, and 
from effect to cause — which may be arrived at by analyzing and 
combining the principles, and elements of nature. Apparently the 
minutest addition, or abstraction of elements, or materials often are 
productive of the most unlooked for consequences — although such 
results are the legitimate effects of their preceeding causes — and 
could have been foreseen by the mind of the philosopher, if, he had 
been properly familiar with the laws producing such results. 

Under this head the subject of steam boiler explosions will claim 
our special attention. Ever since the first discovery of the use of 
steam, the practical engineers as well as the scientific men, have devo- 
tedmuch time and labor to ascertain the cause of explosions, in order, 



6 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSION. 


to apply its proper preventive — hitherto however, experience has 
taught, that the whole subject has been involved in much doubt and 
mystery — for explosions the most violent have occurred notwithstand¬ 
ing, all that has been done to prevent such consequences and too 
with men who were most cautious,* which is evidence that the true 
cause and the legitimate remedy has hitherto been unknown. Explo¬ 
sions have occurred in many instances in which “ committees, ” who 
undertook to ascertain the cause, (have been unable to find a cause 
adequate to produce such terrific effects,) have uniformerly returned 
their verdict attributing the cause to agents and circumstances entirely 
inadequate to produce sucli terrible wreck—such as defective metal 
—overheated metal—and excessive steam pressure, etc. etc.,—neither 

of these however will be a philosophical answer, as will be shown 

« 

hereafter. 

The true philosophy of investigating any subject is first to search 
in nature for a true-reliable foundation—and before this is done, it is 
of vital importance to ascertain whether w r e may not set out with our 
mind swayed with preconceived ideas or other prejudice, or opin¬ 
ion upon the subject which we are aboufe to investigate. If such be 
the case we will very likely build upon false theories instead of the 
true foundation which exists in nature—and which can only hold 
true in practice. Man is liable to be deceived in apparently the most 
simple things that he is surrounded with. He may think, being, con¬ 
nected for a long time, with certain subjects, and being compelled 
from certain circumstances to form certain opinions respecting thereto, 
which opinions recur to his mind again and again, that such must un¬ 
doubtedly be correct; while at the same time they have no existence 
in nature, and will not hold true in practice. If opinions, and theo¬ 
ries are to be relied on, they must hold true in physical analogy; every 
circumstance connected therewith must tend to confirm the correct¬ 
ness thereof. All tilings, circumstances, and connections in tne true 
science of nature must harmonize so as to tend to develop the one gen¬ 
eral result; otherwise it is not a fact in physical analogy. However, 
conversant a man may be, in what is termed sciences combined 
with theory; he is liable to draw very erroneous conclusions — 
from the fact that the knowledge that he has obtained of sciences, is 
principally, if not wholy obtained from scientific books ; which usually 
contain a large portion of that which should legitimately be termed theo¬ 
ry. Science, or more properly speaking, nature, is one continuous, and 
corresponding development. Such is the character of natures laws. If 


*The Anglo Norm in. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


7 


one, two or more causes are uniting, we must according to natural 
law, look for an effect corresponding to suck cause or causes—that is 
the effect must not exceed in character, what the cause or causes are 
unable to produce — otherwise our looked-for will be founded upon a 
fabulous theory. For instance, if, in a steam boiler the pressure is 
less than the strength of the plates, then an explosion can not take 
place, if it does, then we must look for some other agent besides simple 
steam. Or if we find by a law in nature, that when the steam 
pressure within a boiler, if raised beyond the strength of the boiler 
plates, ruptures only would ensue, according to the elastic or expan¬ 
sive property of steam, and if this natural result does not ensue, 
but instead thereof, a violent explosion follows, that projects large 
pieces of the fractured boiler to greater distances, than the simple expan¬ 
sive force of steam could produce ; then we must look for a cause much 
more powerful than simple steam, one that corresponds to the result. 
To attribute such terrific effects to causes that could not in their nature 
produce such effects, involves an absurdity in the nature of things— 
and aims the fatal blow at the harmony of nature. It is better, how¬ 
ever, that man as an erroneous theorist, rather than natures laws should 
be found clashing. Nature is ever correct and consistent in all her de¬ 
velopments. The error is only in man’s mis-compreliension of her 
laws; therefore he is often mistaken, in attributing effects to causes 
that would imply a contradiction in the correspondence of cause and 
effect. Man is apt to form hasty conclusions, because he sees and rea¬ 
sons improperly, or from appearances—without being able to take a 
comprehensive view of the entire subject. From hasty conclusions 
many errors have been introduced into the world, and through prejudice 
have been propagated from time to time. This has been a great ob¬ 
stacle to the introduction and propagation of true and useful knowledge* 
There are, however, many men who reason and draw their conclusions 
from correct premises. From such, the world has in all ages reaped 
a ripe and bountiful harvest. 

With these preliminary remarks, which it will be well for the 
reader to bear in mind, I will proceed with the investigation of steam 
boiler explosions. 

The causes of steam boiler explosions as laid down by “ scientific” 
committees—and civil engineers, may be classed under the following 
heads: 

1. Excessive pressure within a boiler, the pressure being gradually 
increased until it becomes too great for the strength of the boiler, which 
results in a violent explosion. 


8 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


2. The presence of unduly heated metal within a boiler; this unduly 
heated metal is said to be the result of different causes, such as defi¬ 
ciency of water; and of incrustation, and from careening of the boat, 
when the water in the higher boiler of course will descend to the lower, 
thereby exposing the metal to the action of the fire. 

3. Defects in the construction of a boiler or its appendages such as 
defective material either in quality or thickness—defective construc¬ 
tion in form—and defective workmanship. 

4. The carelessness, or ignorance of those entrusted with the man¬ 
agement of the steam engine. To this last named causality, (accoid- 
ing to the theory,) may be attributed all the explosions that ever oc¬ 
curred. For it is either ignorance or carelessness, to allow excessive 
pressure within a boiler ; or to allow the presence of unduly heated 
metal within a boiler, either from deficiency of water, or otherwise ; 
or to make, or use defective boilers, either in form, or material. If, as 
they say, that all explosions are the result of the foregoing causes, 
then they all result from the last supposed cause, ignorance or care¬ 
lessness. 

It will be seen by a careful perusal of these pages, that the above 
named theory of causes, has but little connection with the real cause 
of steam boiler explosions. 

These supposed causes as above laid down, wdll be discussed in their 
proper places, to which certain cases of explosions are attributed. 

COLLAPSING OF FLUES. 

* * * * From an eye witness: In the case of 

the B. J. Gilman—“That she colapsed a flue with an ordinary head of 
“ steam, and with water in her boilers so far over the flues, that after 
“ the explosion took place, it still covered the flues. The iron was the 
“ thinest he ever saw used for such purposes. The Persian, Oronoco, 
“ Missouri, Alton, Majestic, and various others, also, collapsed on ac- 
“ count of insufficiency of strength in the iron of the flues. In all 
“ these cases there appeared no deficiency of water in the boilers. A 
“ remarkable proof of the importance of suitable thickness to the flues 
“ was afforded in the case of the Steamboat Cutter. The boat had 
“ careened over, owing to the passengers getting to one side. At this 
“ moment the flue on the lower side, which proved on examination 
“ afterwards, the thinest, collapsed, although submerged in water, while 
“ the upper flue, which was unduly heated, did not explode/^ * * 

It appears from the above, that flues do collapse, while covered with 
water, and with an ordinary pressure of steam. And in one case in 
which the boat careened thereby submerging one flue in water, which 
collapsed, while the other being the thickest, was laid bare, and became 


tReport of the Commissioners of Patents, to the U. S. Senate. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


9 


unduly heated, yet bore the same pressure of steam. This shows that 
the above mentioned flue did not collapse with steam pressure—as a 
flue unduly heated will give way at less than one fourth the pressure 
that it requires to collapse one submerged in water. If the collapsed 
flue were the thinest, it yet follows that the unduly heated one would 
have yielded first, unless it were four times the strength of the sub¬ 
merged one, which is not likely to have been the case. A proper in¬ 
vestigation of the laws that give strength to cylinder forms, will show 
that it requires a much greater pressure than is usually used in steam 
boilers, to crush a flue submerged in water, as the pressure is centri¬ 
petal, and therefore acting equally all around. To collapse a c)linder 
flue with a pressure applied equally all around, which must be of such 
pressure as to cause the metalic fibers to yield or crush, requires a 
much greater pressure than most steam boiler shells will bear. 

It is evident from the form and metalic structure of flues, that they 
do not collapse by a gradual steam pressure, but by explosive percus¬ 
sion. This part of the subject will be treated under its proper head. 

From the Committee of the Franklin Institute, vol. 22, page 431. 

REPORT ON THE EXPLOSION OF A STEAM BOILER AT MORRIS & CO’S. 

FACTORY. 

( Explosion JVo. 1. ) 

“ That the boiler in question was of a cylindrical form, 5 feet in 
diameter and 16 feet long, having a fire-box at one end, from which 
three main flues, the largest of which was 20 inches in diameter, ex¬ 
tending to the smoke-box, from which twelve return flues, 6 inches, in 
diameter, carried the products of combustion to the chimney. Near 
the end of the boiler there was a steam dome 4 feet in diameter which 
was placed over an opening of the same size in the shell of the boiler. 
The iron of which the boiler was made, was of the best quality, 0.3 
inches in thickness. This boiler was intended for the use of a Steam¬ 
boat, and Avas to be used under 100 lbs. pressure. The parties who 
ordered it, required it should first be tested under a pressure of 150 
lbs. Upon this trial the fire was kept up, until the safety valve lifted 
under a pressure of 148 lbs ; an additional weight was then added 
sufficient to give the requisite pressure of 150 lbs. and after a few mo¬ 
ments, the experiment was considered as satisfactory, and directions 
were given to open the fire-doors; at this moment the explosion took 
place, killing one of the persons present, and severely injuring two 
others, one of whom has since died. The boiler was torn into at least 
three pieces, by fractures perpendicular to the axis,—one of which (the 
fire box end) was thrown forward and came in contact, with two large 
Cornish boilers which were lying in front of it, indicating by its effect 
upon them, the terrific violence with which it had been projected. The 
waist of the boiler was torn from the steam dome, ripped open, and 
flattened out upon the wharf where it lay, while the steam dome and 
other portions, were thrown high into the air, and fell into the Delaware 


10 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


river, whence they have not been recovered. The main flue was 
also separated from the rest and thrown into the dock, whence it was 
afterwards recovered and found flattened, but apparently not collapsed 
Dy the pressure of the steam. 

In seeking to account for this explosion, we may in the first place 
remark, that there appears no reason whatever, to suspect the exis¬ 
tence of a low water-level. The experiment had been but a short time 
in progress, no water or steam had been lost, except that which was 
blown°off at the safty-valve, nor was any pump in connection with the 
boiler by which cold water might be thrown upon an exposed and over¬ 
heated surface. This, then, the most common of all causes of explo¬ 
sion of steam boilers, cannot be reverted to, to explain this one, Nor 
is there any reason to suspect carelessness or recklessness on the part 
of those in charge of the experiment, nor negligence or mistake in the 
calculation of the pressure on the safty-valve. The boiler was at the 
time under the charge of perfectly competent persons, who were under 
no excitement, had no inducement to rashness, nor were under the cir¬ 
cumstances, likely to lead to over haste, and whose lives were, as the 
result too sadly proved, exposed in the event of an explosion. The 
Committee submitted to the proof of the breaking apparatus, pieces of 
the iron taken from the edges of the fractures, and the results showed 
that the iron was of good quality. The following are the breaking 
weights per square inch of section, of the pieces : 

Iron taken from the side of the boiler; with fiber, 67.200 lbs. across fiber, 67.200 lbs 

“ “ “ Shell, « “ 50.400 “ “ “ 56.000 “ 

“ « “ Flues, “ “ 53.760 “ “ “ 54.880 « 

If from these data, and the diameter and thickness of the shell of 
the boiler, we calculate its strength, and compare it with the effort 
exerted upon the shell by a pressure of 150 lbs. per square inch, we 
shall find after making all possible allowances, a simple cylindrical 
shell of such diameter and thickness, and made of such materials, 
would have been fully equal to the strain brought upon it. But when 
we consider the effect of the large opening made into the steam dome, 
we shall see that the strength of the cylinder was very materially di¬ 
minished, and probably brought below what was necessary to resist 
the strain upon it. 

It will be easily seen that the effect of such an opening thus covered, 
must be to bring a greatly increased strain upon its edge, where it in¬ 
tersects the upper line of the shell, while the dome itself gives but 
little aid in resisting this pressure, and if the deformation of the shape 
or a tear of the iron should be the consequence, the other results of 
the explosion might easily follow. The committee deem this defcet of 
form to be so manifestly sufficient to account for the explosion, that 
they do not think it necessary to advert to any other, but strongly call 
the attention of boiler builders and engineers to the importance of 
avoiding such large openings in the shell, in the future. 

In conclusion, they take this opportunity of returning their thanks 
to J. P. Morris & Co., for the facilities which they so freely offered 
them for a thorough examination. 

By order of the Committee, 

W. HAMILTON, 

Philadelphia, Nov. 13, 1851. , Actuary, 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


11 


The above case is given in detail, because it is thought that it is a 
good specimen, for several reasons. First, it appears from the above 
extract that a scientific committee obtained the privilege of a thorough 
examination, while those concerned with, the boiler could have had 
no object to misrepresent or conceal any thing from the committee. 
Second, the case was different from nearly all other explosions on 
record, because the boiler was set up for trial, without having an en¬ 
gine attached to it, to exhaust steam, to cause commotion in the 
boiler, and supply water to come in contact with over heated metal ; 
while at the same time there was no careening motion, such as is the 
case wdth the river boilers ; no reckless and incompetent engineers 
at hand ; no racing ; no inferior iron ; no bad workmanship ; no shallow 
water lines ; no adhesion of safety-valve ; no giving away of stays ; no 
extraordinary pressure of steam ; no priming to cause convulsion within 
to throw the water against unduly heated metal; nothing of the kind 
is reported. And this dissolves (with one exception,) the whole cat¬ 
alogue of supposed causes incident to steam boiler explosions. The 
committee have however, reported upon the exception above stated, 
which falls under the head of deficient or improper construction. The 
opening of four feet in diameter, which was made on the top of the 
boiler to fasten on a steam dome, the “ committee ” seem to think was 
the cause of the explosion. Such however, does not seem to be the 
cause, from the evidence of the lines of fractures ; the projection of 
the pieces, in connection with the expansive force, of that volume of 
simple steam at 150 lbs. per square inch pressure. We have not been 
shown upon what principle of philosophy, or mathematical proportion, 
a circular opening on the top of a boiler, (in diameter a fraction over 
a fourth the circumference of the boiler,) and fitted in with a dome of 
proper strength and proportion, should diminish the strength thereof 
more than one half. It is ascertained from the data above, taking the 
lowest figure, 50.400 lbs. and making all reasonable allowance for 
riveting, &c., that this boiler should have borne at least 340 lbs. per 
square inch pressure, without rupture, instead of violently exploding 
at 150 lbs. per square inch. 

It should be recollected, that this dome opening was made at one 
end of the boiler; and if it was the cause of diminishing the strength 
of that end of the boiler, from 340 lbs. to 150 lbs. pressure to the 
inch, it surely did not diminish any other portion of the boiler, further 
than the dome was extended. Suppose, for example, the dome 
opening had diminished that portion of the boilei to one half its 
former strength, and steam would be permitted to be generated in 


12 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSION. 


ii, until rupture would ensue, what kind of fracture would foil jW 
such a state of things ? From the laws that govern this part of ma¬ 
terial nature, it is evident that the part which is the weakest would 
give way, so the fracture from excessive pressure would separate the 
end with the steam dome from the main body of the boiler, perpendic¬ 
ular to the axis, or it would rent on top from the center of the steam 
dome on a line with the axis. From the committees report it appears 
that such a result did not follow, but a violent explosion by which the 
boiler was torn into at least three pieces by fractures perpendicular to 
the axis, one of which was near the front end, and must have been at 
that part of the boiler end that should have borne 340 lbs. pressure, 
instead of 150 lbs. The waist of the boiler was torn from the steam 
dome, ripped open and flattened out upon the wharf. This seems clear 
that simple steam, at 150 lbs. pressure per square inch, did not do 
such terrible work. Again the expansion of such a volume of simple 
steam in a boiler of the foregoing dimension with a pressure of 150 
lbs. to the square inch would only extend to an area of about 12 feet 
in diameter and 16 feet in length when it would be at equilibrium with 
the atmosphere.* Could such limited expansive force have projected 
heavy pieces of metal high in the air and onward into the Delaware 
river ? In this case we have the gathering and combining of explo¬ 
sive elements taking place, without a working engine to work off the 
steam which became impregnated with such elements. It is the 
most dangerous, to generate steam in a boiler without an operating 
engine to work it off*. 

( Explosion No. 2. ) 

The “Irk” locomotive, which blew up in 1845,+ was another of those 
results, of which simple steam even at a very high pressure, could not 
have been the cause. In this case it is reported, that it is supposed that 
the top of the copper fire box was forced down upon the blazing embers 
of the furnace, which acting upon the principle of the rocket, ele¬ 
vated the boiler and engine of 20 tuns weight, to a height of 30 feet, 
which, in its ascent, made a summerset in the air, passed through 
the roof of the shed under which it stood, and ultimately landed°at 
a distance of 60 yards from its original position. In this case it is 
supposed that the pressure may have ranged between 200 and 300 
lbs. per square inch, not known however, as it was ascertained that the 
safety-valve was fastened down. Let this be as it may; no boiler 
made for locomotive purposes, could have generated within its shell 


*See calculation on steam expansion, further on, 
|From the London Artizan, for June 1851. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS/ 


13 


simple steam of sufficient elasticity though it be 1000 g t 1200 
lbs. per square inch, to project in the event of bursting, a 
locomotive of 20 tons, 30 feet into the air, with a summerset and land¬ 
ing it 60 yards from its ascent. Nothing short of the most terrific ex¬ 
plosive elements in nature, can be the agent of such results. 

from the Pittsburgh Gazette. 

EXPLOSION OF A LOCOMOTIVE-—ENGINEER KILLED AND SEVERAL 

PERSONS SERIOUSLY INJURED. 

An explosion of a locomotive occurred on Wednesday morning 
about a quarter before 8 o’clock, on the Cleveland and Pittsburgh 
Railroad, which resulted in the death of the engineer and the serious 
injury of several other persons employed on the train/ The particu¬ 
lars are as follows: 

The wood train of the C. & P. R. R., was standing on the track 
about one mile south of Alliance, the hands being engaged in loading 
the cars with wood, when the boiler of the locomotive—the “ Por¬ 
tage ”—exploded. Both ends of the boiler were blown out and the 
engine and boiler were shivered to atoms, leaving the machine a com¬ 
plete wreck. The tender was also destroyed and the wood scattered 
in every direction from the track. 

The engineer, David Parker, who was on the locomotive at the 
time, was instantly killed. He was thrown between two and three 
hundred feet. His body was scalded and mangled in a terrible man¬ 
ner. Pieces of his clothing were found on the branches of trees 
standing near by, and his watch was carried a distance of an hundred 
feet beyond the body of the deceased. Mr. Parker was a resident of 
Ravenna, and was without family. 

The conductor of the train, Mr. Anderson, was struck on the head 
by a flying fragment of the engine, his skull broken and mashed scr 
that the brains protruded; his body was otherwise injured. There 
is no likelihood of his recovery. He is now lying at Alliance tinder 
medical treatment, but he himself says he has no hopes of life. His 
skull was trepanned in the afternoon. 

One of the men employed on the train had three ribs broken by a 
piece of the machinery, and is considered in a dangerous condition. 
Several other persons received severe contusions from billets of wood, 
but none of them are dangerously injured. The body of Mr. Parker 
was taken to Ravenna for interment. 

The “ Portage” has been running on the road between three and 
four years, and was considered a safe machine. We did not learn 
the cause of the explosion .’* 

The above case requires but little comment. Every person that 
has ever seen locomotives and has observed their construction, can 
not but see, (taking simple steam expansion into consideration) that 
it required a much greater force to shiver to atoms a locomotive, 


14 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


besides destroying the tender, which was beyond the reach of the 
steam expansion in the above case. 

The “Reindeer” exploded * * 10 miles below 

Alton, on the 7th of April, 1855. 

This is the fifth explosion since the 1st of January, up to the 7th 
of April An ominous commencement for the present year. 

EXPLOSION OF THE STEAMBOAT u ANGLO-NORMAN,” 8 MILES ABOVE 

NEW ORLEANS, DEC. 13 , 1850 .* 

( Explosion No. 3. ) 

The “Anglo-Norman,” it appears, was a new boat intended for a 
tow-boat, and had been proven by three trips, from the gulf, with tows; 
the fourth and fatal one seems to have been an excursion trip, in which 
many of the influential gentlemen of that city participated. The 
boiler was of the wagon form, 30 feet long, 16 feet wide and 9-i- feet 
high, weighing 28 tons. This boiler is represented as of good work¬ 
manship, and as “Mr. Jones, Civil Engineer” thinks, should have 
borne 50 lbs. per square inch pressure, instead of 24 inches of the 
murcury gauge under which it exploded. It is ascertained by calcula¬ 
tion that a cylinder boiler 16 feet in diameter, will bear 50 lbs. per 
inch pressure, as well as one of 40 inches will bear 225 lbs. and this 
is by no means more than half the pressure of simple steam, which 
a good boiler inch plates and 42 inches in diameter will bear before 
rupture takes place. Consequently it would require at least 100 lbs. 
in a 16 feet boiler of good § inch iron. No one however, should 
deceive himself with these figures, for let it be remembered that they 
refer to simple steam alone. At one half or even one tenth the 
above figures, the elements within a boiler, may at any moment unite 
with an explosive element, forming an instantaneous explosive force of 
from 1000 to 30,000 lbs. to the square inch. The boiler in question was 
not cylindric, but the wagon form, in which case the side plates, in 
consequence ot the arches or stays giving way, would incline, under 
the within pressure, to extend outward to a cylindrical form. It 
is not likely that 24 lbs. pressure caused these arches to yield, and if 
such were the case, it would only end in a rupture which would have 
caused but little damage, for in the extension of the shell with the 
consequent leakage the internal pressure would have been reduced 
considerably below 24 lbs. so that the remaining force within, it is be¬ 
lieved would not have raised the boiler off its foundation; for example, 

*A fall account of the explosion is given by A. C. Jonea, 21 vol. Journal of the Franklin 
Institute page ol. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS, 


15 


app,y the law of steam expansion, and it will be seen that all the 
simple steam that was in the boiler at the time of its explosion, could 
have been confined in an exhausted paper cylinder 30 feet long and 14^ 
feet in diameter. The agent that cleared the Anglo-Norman of 28 
tons of boiler, must have been one of more power than simple steam 
at 24 inches of the mercury guage pressure. In this explosion no 
part of the boiler remained on board to bear evidence of its fractures. 
As the top of the wheel house left evidence of being in contact with 
the boiler, it is probable that it was carried over the top of the boat. 
“ Those on board testify that there was plenty of water just before the 
“ the explosion.” “ By the testimony of the Captain and others, of 
“ the boat, given on oath, (at the inquest held over the body of Mr. 
“Stillman, of the Novelty Works, New York,) it was stated that the 
“safety valve was adjusted to blow off at 25 inches of the mercury 
“ gauge, and at 26 inches the steam would blow off freely; which was 
“ the case before the steamer left the wharf on this excursion trip.” 
“ That there was no neglect in the management of the boiler, seems 
“ certain, for there were too many practical men not to notice if such 
* ‘ were the case ; all who knew the first engineer, Mr. Samuel Hill, 
“ speak of him in the highest terms of his professional ability, 
“ and give him the rare quality of being over cautious; he received 
“the cause of his death at his post along side of the engine, which 
“ he only left from time to time to pass quickly to and from the fire 
“ room. It is confirmed by different persons, that there was a dis- 
“ charge of water and steam from the safety valve pipe an instant 
“before the explosion.”]; 

In this case there was no incompetency of engineers, recklessness, 
or racing; no shallow water level; no incrustation, no adhesion cr 
fastening down of the safety valve; no cold or hot water thrown upon 
unduly heated metal; nor was there any over-heated plates to weaken 
the shell; neither was the pressure more than half what the boiler 
should have borne. Nothing of the kind is reported. “ But the in¬ 
ference was that one of the middle arches gave way from the pressure 
which the steam exerted on its side.” There are two important cir¬ 
cumstances connected with this explosion, which must not be over¬ 
looked. First, it will be recollected, that the testimony given (by the 
Captain and others,) that the safety valve was adjusted to blow off at 
25 inches of the mercury guage ; and at 26 inches the steam would 
blow freely, which was the case before the steamer left the wharf on 
the excursion trip. This clearly shows that the boiler bore more simple 


lA. C. Jones, Franklin Institute. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


steam pressure at the wharf, than it indicated by the guage just before 
the explosion. Now if the boiler was exploded by simple steam pressure 
either from defective metal, arches, stays, or otherwise, such accord¬ 
ing to natural law would have been the case at the wharf, when the 
steam indicated its highest figure on the mercury guage ; for at that 
place the boiler sustained the greatest steam pressure. Perhaps jt 
will be contended that the boiler, or some parts thereof, had received 
a strain, or fracture, at the wharf when under the greatest steam 
pressure, yet the boiler held together, until relieved of its pressure, 
and finally exploded in consequence of such injury under a less press¬ 
ure, Such logic will not stand the test of close criticism. A human 
being for example, may grasp hold of an object, relax and grasp with 
the same force again. Metal is held together by cohesion; if force be 
applied to a certain degree, the fibers will commence separation ; con¬ 
tinue such force for a few moments, and separation of fibers will be 
final. These fibers do not partially separate, yet support the same 
force in that condition, and afterwards in the same condition of strength 
yield under the influence of a minor force. Second, it is confirmed by 
different persons, that there was a discharge of water and steam from 
the safety-valve pipe an instant before the explosion. This is proof 
clearly, that there was a combining of explosive elements which united 
in the water and steam, causing an instantaneous explosive pressure 
in all directions; forcing the water and steam in a convulsed state in 
in all directions, the safety-valve being the weakest point, gave indi¬ 
cations first, by opening and discharging water and steam. If the 
boiler had exploded by forcing out the sides in consequence of an 
arch giving way, or otherwise, from simple steam pressure beyond 
the strength of the boiler, there would no discharge of water and 
steam have been seen from the safety-valve. For this would not have 
caused any commotion in the steam and water, only a gradual press¬ 
ure would have been the consequence thereof. 

There certainly is no reason for the safety-valve lifting, if the 
boiler was defective otherwise, and gave way in consequence of that 
defect. 

EXPLOSION OF THE STEAMER “KNOXVILLE,” AT NEW ORLEANS. 

( Explosion No. 4. ) 

Communicated to the Franklin Institute, vol. 21, by A. C. Jones, 
from which a few extracts will be made. * * * 

The Knoxville lying at the levee, exploded two (of her four) 
boilers, destroying many lives and making a complete wreck of the 
boat, and also doing much injury to other steamers in the vicinity. 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


17 


All the main deck which was under the boilers, and most of the 
guards are destroyed, every thing overhead forward of the engines was 
carried away, and its innumerable fragments cover the surface of the 
water, and the adjoining* boats. A (new) monometer or pressure 
guage was in good order; its cock communicating with the steam 
pipe, was open at the time ; the range of the scale was 160 lbs.; that 
is it would indicate no higher. * * * 

One inside boiler, 26 feet long, and 42 inches in diameter, left the 
“Knoxville” nearly at right angles, and, after breaking the guard of 
the “ Martha Washington, lying along side ” its foward end passed 
upward, and through the cabin of this boat, leaving a breach of 12 
feet wide, and thence making its way through the side of the “ Grif¬ 
fin Yeatman,” and landed in the ladies cabin, bottom up. * * 

The larboard outside boiler took its flight from the boats end, 
and at an (horizontal) angle of 120° from the course taken from the 
Other boiler; at 295 feet, it came in contact with the end of the 
third tier of flour barrels 45 feet, on it passed through another pile of 
barrels, destroying many down to the first tier. Here it diverged 
18° and continued on 200 feet more, where it rested on the ground. 
This boiler gives evidence of inferior iron, and low water lines, some 
parts of the iron is full ^ inch thick, other parts but little over J. 
The gas theory having almost evaporated, we have now par excel¬ 
lence “the state of the atmosphere,’* given as a reason for explosions, 
but in this instance, I feel safe in stating the causes were defecthe 
boilers; a deficiency of water, and ignorance on the part of the man¬ 
agement. That the water was low, is evident from the sharp sound 
of the explosion, and from the almost perfect boiler in its passage 
through the cabin of the “ Martha Washington,” scarcely soiling the 
white paint by water ; none was discharged on the Griffin Yeatman’s 
deck, neither did the other boiler discharge any water in its track, 
over the land, it also was dry. * * * 

This explosion seems to have been another of those dreadful maga¬ 
zines of nature, in which was manifested, to an enormous degree the 
explosive combination of her elements. Simple steam pressure had 
nothing to do with this case. From the dreadful consequences developed 
it w*as, undoubtedly, the result of the instantaneous developement of 
explosive elements with an expansive force, equal, to from 20,000 to 
30,000 lbs. per square inch. Only think of it, here was a force 
which projected a whole boiler 26 feet long and 42 inches in diameter, 
against the guard of another steamer, breaking it, then passing upward 
through the cabin of this boat, leaving a breach 12 feet wide; then on 
to the next steamer, passing through its side, and landing in the ladies 
cabin. Another boiler takes its flight from the boat, (at an angle of 
120° from the course the other was projected,) passed on in a 
horizontal line 295 feet, came in contact, at this point, with the third tier 
of flour barrels, injuring them, then 45 feet farther it passed through 
another pile of barrels, destroying them down to the first tier, there it 


18 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS* 


diverged 18° and continued for 200 feet more, making about 540 feet 
on a horizontal line through those several piles of barrels. W as this 
the effect of simple steam, generated under this (new) monometer or 
pressure gauge, which, we are told, would onl) indicate 160 pounds ! 
It is further stated that the boilers were made of very inferior irtfn, be¬ 
sides being little over inch thick in places. If such were the case, 
that the boilers gave way on account of their defect, it would naturally 
follow that it required but low pressure steam to rent those defective 
boilers, that the result would not have been so terrific as to project 
a boiler 540 feet through obstructions, besides strewing the river and 
boats in the vicinity with innumerable fragments of the wreck. Again 
we are told that the water was low, from the sharp report; this seems 
as though it required great power to rupture those boilers, that were 
so deficient in texture and thickness. The truth of the matter, as it 
is given, involves a gross absurdity. There is no human being that 
can tell whether the water was low or not, in those boilers, just before 
the explosion took place. Such has been the case in two instances, in 
experimenting, namely, that the steam and water disappeared in a 
short time.* It, however, may be calculated by mathematical 
computation, how far, all the steam that those boilers could contain, 
fell short of the power necessary to project the boilers as stated in the 
foregoing report. 

TERRIFIC EXPLOSION ON THE STEAMBOAT REDSTONE, 

On the 3d of April, 1852, 12 miles above Madison , at Scotts Landing. 

(Explosion Mo. 5.) 

Upon arriving at Scotts Landing, she was called out for a passenger. 
* * The Redstone shoved out and backed down from the landing: 

about one hundred yards. A strong wind was blowing in shore, and 
it was with difficulty that she could back her way out. At the second 
revolution she made to start forward, her three boilers exploded at 
the same time, with a tremendous noise. She sunk in less than three 
minutes, in twenty feet water. * * In the explosion, her chimneys 

were blown nearly across the river. The awful force of the explosion 
can be conceived from the fact that a large piece of one of the boilers 
was blown half a mile, lacking “five or six yards,” from the wreck. 
Eleven bodies were blown into a cornfield at some distance from the 
water. * * 

The river for some distance below Carrolton was strewn with the 
fragments of the boat, machinery, furniture and clothing. Small 
pieces of bedding and clothing were found at the distance of very near¬ 
ly half a mile back from the river, while the trees along the shore 
were littered with the fragments of the same and of the wreck. The 
cause of this explosion is very evident it was “ recklessness/’f * * 


*See experiments. 

tSeientific American, Vol. 7, page 242. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


19 


Extract of an account given by Thomas Bakewell, Esq. 

M The boilers, as arranged in the boat, side and side, about 3-J- inches 

apart, are connected near the fire end by a double concave cast iron 
“ washer, 7 inches diameter, with a hole in the middle, 2 inches 
“ diameter, to meet corresponding holes in the boilers, for a water pas- 
“ sage, the joints between each side of the washer and boiler being 
“ made with lead. This kind of joints is over the fire, and apt to give 
“ trouble in ordinary circumstances by the lead melting out. Now, a 
“ piece of each of the two boilers, still connected as above described, 
“ was found and examined by myself and others, the lead joints of which 
“ were perfect. We also found the lead jointsof the manhole andcon- 
“ netting cross pipes in their original perfect state. From the above 
“ facts, it is evident that the water must have been at least three inches 
“ above the middle of the boilers, and would cover, (or nearly so,) 
“ the dues.”* 

Extract of a letter from Mr. Sopher—the clerk of the boat. 

* * * “At the time the wind was blowing hard ashore, and 
“ instead of backing out as usual, she only commenced backing down 
“ the shore, the wind prevented. The captain then gave the order to 
” stop backing, and go ahead, on the starboard wheel, that being the 
“ wheel next to the shore, instead of going ahead, the “ engine caught 
“on the centre, ” and while the engineer was working the levers, two 
“ of the boilers exploded. I am unable to say how much we had on 
“at the time, but usually carried 140 lbs. and have had on as 
“ high as 170 lbs. which was the most I have ever known. Nor 
“ can I tell you anything in regard to the water, as the first engineer 
“of the watch was killed. The opinion of Capt. Pate was, that the 
“ water must have been low.’’^ 

This explosion needs but little comment. To the reasoning faculties, 
it is conclusive that in this case again, (as in former cases,) explosive 
elements have combined and formed a terrible magazine, which the 
result clearly shews. The old hypothesis, which is in almost all cases 
of explosions brought up, to-wit-: low water and unduly heated metal, 
will fail again in this case. Human testimony is often unreliable,—but 
in this case we have evidence which is incontrovertible, that there was 
no unduly heated metal, namely, the “ lead joints, ” spoken of by Mr. 
Bakewell. Lead becomes fusible at 594° FahY,, which is below a 
red heat. This is evidence that the water at the time of the explo¬ 
sion was above those lead joints, and their height on the boilers will 
be seen by reference to the above. It is also stated by Mr. Sopher that 
the highest steam pressure that they ever used was 170 lbs, let 
this be as it may. Suppose they did in this case have simple steam 
sufficient to rupture these boiler plates, which would have probably 
required, if they were good boilers, 500 lbs. per square inch pressure. 
How far short, dear reader, would such a volume of compressed steam 


* Journal of tV.e Eranklin Institute, vol. 23, page 4T3. 
t Journal ef -t-fae Eranklin iTastit«te, vol. 413, (page 414. 



20 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


(even if let loose instantaneously,) have been to project the chimneys, 
(as above stated,) nearly across the river, (the boat being at one 
shore,) and a large piece of a boiler a half a mile, lacking six yards, 
and eleven bodies into a cornfield at some distance from the water, and 
some pieces of bedding and clothing very nearly half a mile, besides, 
littering the trees along the shore with fragments of the same, making a 
complete wreck of the boat, and leaving the river strewn with fragments 
of the boat, machinery, furniture and clothing for some distance be¬ 
low Carrolton, which was four miles below' the wreck ? Reason and 
analogy will answer, without any further calculation, that 500 lbs. per 
inch, simple steam pressure within two cylinders, (half filled with 
•Nvater,) 42 inches in diameter and 30 or 40 feet long, (as the case may 
be,) had nothing to do with such an awful catastrophe. The steam 
therein contained, if let loose instantaneous in a vacuum, would not 
have expanded more than six feet fiom the shell of the boilers. This 
thing of stopping the engine is a dangerous practice, besides being so 
unfortunate, as to have it hang on the centre. Every moments delay 
increases the danger of those elements uniting explosively, which was 
the case "with the foregoing explosion. 

SINGULAR EXPLOSION. 

Prom the Scientific American, Feb. 16, 1850 

( Explosion jYo. 6 .) 

* *—At Mr. D. Smith’s Paper Mill, a large egg shaped boiler, 
used for boiling rags, made of stout boiler iron, and weighing about 
4 tons, was filled in the afternoon for boiling, by putting into it about 
two tons of rags, and a half barrel, or about 500 lbs. of soda ash 
and tw r o barrels of lime soda ash, previously disolved in water, and 
water put in sufficient to cover the rags—the whole not filling it 
quite full. It was then all closed tight with the exception of a small 
hole at the top, which w r as left open until it began to boil, then plug¬ 
ged up. It was heated by steam brought through a three inch pipe, 
from a distance of eighty feet from the steam boilers, and was situated 
in a small building 30 feet from the side of the main building. After 
boiling about five hours, it exploded, tearing off a part of the bottom, 
which was thrown without touching the mill, high over the top, and 
landing 300 feet from the place it started from. There were two dis¬ 
tinct explosions or reports, and the fireman says that the brick came 
with the second report, though it was not as loud as the first, and he 
had just previously turned off a part of the steam. The steam is 
generated in six boilers, and but a small part is used to boil the rags, 
the rest being used in the cylinder of the paper machinery to dry the 
paper. The building in which this rag boiler was situated, was shiver¬ 
ed into fragments, and another boiler situated by the side of this one, 
and apparently filled in the same manner, and boiling at the same time, 
was left uninjured with the exception of being moved a few inches. A 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


21 


large iron wrench that was left on the top of the boiler, was carried 
with it the whole distance. Some of the rags and hot water were 

# O 

thrown as high as the top of the mill, which is four stories high. * * 

This explosion dissolves the whole catalogue of causes, as usually 
referred to, by those who think that steam boiler explosions might so 
easily be obviated. Similar to No. 1, it, however, had, (according to 
their theory,) one cause left, that of a weak place by a “steam 
dome ” which yielded to the pressure within. In the above case, even a 
slight cause similar to it, cannot be established. There being no steam 
pressure to act against the shell. Now what was the cause of this 
explosion? Undoubtedly the same agent that “violently” exploded 
every steam boiler that ever exploded, was evidently the cause of this. 
None of the usual branches of that unfounded hypothesis will an¬ 
swer, which attributes all explosions to some one or more of the many 
causes which are gotten up, so that if one does not fit the particular case 
under discussion, some other one, or more, may come in right ; such 
as ignorance, recklessness, excessive pressure, defective metal, bad 
workmanship, ill construction, low water, and many others, which 
are sometimes resorted to. But in the above case they must uniformly 
fail to account for the true cause. As this case is so plain and self- 
evident, it is deemed unnecessary for any further comment. 

{ Explosion No . * 7.) 

Two explosions of steam boilers took place in Cincinnati, in August 
1849, one at the foundery of Pollock A Jones, the force of which 
threw the boiler some thirty feet from its bed, and the heavy iron shaft 
of the engine directly through the foundery into the street. The ex¬ 
plosive force fortunately was directed upwards. There w r as a perfect 
shower of brick-bats ah around for half a square. * * 

( Explosion No. 8. ) 

The other was the collapsing of a flue of the boiler at Messrs. 

Ambrose & Rose’s Planing Mill. The boiler was thrown some 400 

feet, passing through several shops, and finally landing in the second 

storv of a frame house. A man named Valentine, was carried 60 
%/ 

feet in advance of the boiler, and dashed to pieces.* * * 

EXPLOSION OF A BOILER AT MADISON, IND. 

( Explosion No. 9. ) 

* * The boiler was a vertical one, of cylindrical form, with the 

furnace in the center, and the heating force running up through the 
interior in a conical form. The boiler was 8 feet long and 3 feet in 
diameter, with a sheet iron chimney long enough to reach 20 feet 
above a three story house. The flue was 3 feet at the bottom, and 


# Tbe Scientific American, Vol. 4, Page 397. 



22 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSION 


only 12 inches at the top, having only about 3 inches of water space 
at the bottom of the boiler. The house in which this boiler was- 
placed, was blown to atoms—not a brick or stone left unturned. The 
hoiler itself was forced up in the air to such an astonishing height 
that it appeared in size, like a lard keg, to those who witnessed it. It 
fell three hundred feet from the place where it exploded. * * * 

In the shop where the boiler fell, a bench was broken where a man 
had been working, only a second before. It is supposed that the 
boiler was projected at least 1000 feet high into the air.* 

It will only be necessary to examine the above, and compare the 
projectile force required in projecting those boilers, &c., with that of 
steam expansion. 

EXPLOSION OF THE STEAMBOAT TIMOUR. 

( Explosion No. 10.) 

The “ Timour” exploded her boilers near Jefferson, on the 2nd of 
August, 1854, while l>ing at the wharf. The doctor, or pump was 
in operation, there was plenty of water in the boiler, and steam was 
blowing off. Some of the pieces were thrown 200 feet high and 160 
yards horizontally. 

It appears that C. W. Melard, and J. R. Scoit, Engineers of the 
Steamboat Tim our, who have been tried before B. F. Hickman, U. 
S. Commissioner, for the Missouri District, on charge of man slaughter, 
misconduct and inattention to their duties as Engineers, have been 
acquitted of these charges. 

And well might they be acquitted as far as the guilt of the ex¬ 
plosion is concerned ; for no being on earth had control over the terrible 
elements that combined in those boilers. Men will yet learn that En¬ 
gineers have to often been censured for explosions over which they 
have no control. 

In the above case, no one present could have had the least idea of 
danger, as the boat was at rest, the doctor in operation supplying 
water, and steam blowing off However, if the engines had been 
•working off steam, this explosion might have been avoided, for such 
might have prevented the accumulation of the explosive elements. 

(Explosions No. ll.) 

While writing of these terrific explosions, an electric wave conveyed 
the sad intelligence of two more disastrous explosions, one below New 
Orleans, the towboat “Thomas McDaniel,” and the other the steamer 
“Pearl,” near Sacramento, California. 

It is not intended in this work to relate any of the awful sufferings 
that have resulted from many of these explosions, or the loss of life, 
further than is necessary to show the great force of these explosions. 


♦Scientific American, Yol. 10, Page 11. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


23 


from the projection of human bodies as well as other heavy pieces of 
material, as human language would fail to describe the scene even 
in this last case, besides it would be touching the tenderest emo¬ 
tions ot the readers mind unnecessai’ily. The account from there says 
that the fore part of the steamer “Pearl” was torn into ten thousand 
pieces. 

The “Thomas McDaniel” had two vessels in tow, at the time her 
boilers, six in number, exploded, making a complete wreck of the boat, 
besides injuring the vessels she had in tow. It should be remembered 
that her six boilers exploded at the same time, which is an important 
argument, that will hereafter receive attention. 

(Explosion No. 12.) 

The “Augusta,” in December 1838, burst her boiler, which, with 
the machinery, was broken to pieces. Nearly the entire main cabin 
was swept away, including the social hall and its appurtenances ; a 
small partition next to the ladies’ cabin being all that was left. * * 

(Explosion No. 13.) 

The “Black Hawk” exploded three boilers on (he Mississippi river, 
blowing off all her upper works forward of the wheels. * * 

(Explosion No. 14.) 

Bio* “Hatchee” burst her starboard boiler as she was leaving: the 
wharf at Herman, on her way to St. Joseph’s, which passing aft, 
through the cabin floor and up through the hurricane deck, made a 
perfect wreck of the boat. * * * * 

(Explosion No. 15.) 

“Clipper No. 1,” September, 1843, burst her boilers at Bayou Sara, 
making a complete wreck of the boat and destroying every soul on 
board. * * * She was backing out from 

her moorings, when the explosion took place; all her boilers, five in 
number, bursting simultaneously. A watchman alive, was thrown 
100 yards, through the solid wall of Baker’s hotel into a bed. * * 

(Explosion No. 16.) 

“Josephine,” May, 1845, when 16 miles below Madison, burst. A 
part of her engine was driven with tremendous force into one of the 
state rooms, passing thence through the hurricane deck, disappeared 
in the river. * * * * 

( Explosion No. 17.) 

“Lucy Walker,” * * when five miles below New Albany, blew 

up, * * while engaged in making some repairs, the water in the 

boilers got too low, and about fire minutes after the engine ceased 
working, her three boilers exploded with tremendous violence. The 
explosion was upwards, and that part of the boat above the boilers 


24 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS 


was blown into thousands of pieces. She was in the middle of the 
river at the time, and parts of the boat and boilers were thrown on 
shore. * * Pieces of the boilers not thicker than half a dollar, 

were found on the Kentucky shore. 

(Explosion No. 18.) 

The Tow Boat “ Grampus,” exploded on the 11th of August, 1 828, 
about 8 miles below New Orleans. She had six double flue boilers 
which were all blown to pieces and overboard. * * * 

( Explosion No. 19.) 

The “North Star” exploded on the Black Warrior river, about 10 
miles below Tuscaloosa, in 1841. This was another awful explosion, 
which occurred as the boat was leaving the shore and about starting 
ahead. She had three boilers which were all torn to pieces, and some 
parts thrown to some distance into a corn field. * * * 

(Explosion No. 20.) 

The Steamboat “Wilmington,” exploded a few* miles above the 
mouth of the Arkansas river, in 1839. The explosion was of the 
most destructive kind; her boilers, three in number, were all blown 
to pieces. The boat sunk and was a total loss, witli full caigo. * * 

(Explosion No. 21.) 

The Steamboat “Buckeye,” exploded about 10 miles above Ran¬ 
dolph, on the Mississippi river, in 1830. This was another gun¬ 
powder explosion, which carried destruction in every direction. Her 
boilers three in number, were completely torn to pieces, and some 
large fragments were thrown some two hundred yards into a corn 
field. The boat was badly shattered. * * * 

(Explosion No. 22.) 

The Steamboat “ General Brown,” exploded at Helena, on the 
Mississippi river, in 1837. This was another awful and destructive 
explosion. Her boilers, four in number, were nearly all blown entirely 
to pieces. The boat was made a perfect wreck. * * * 

( Explosion No. 23.) 

The Steamboat “Marquett,” exploded at New Orleans, in 1842; 
she was in the act of starting from the wharf, and just after the 
engine had started, her boilers, three in number, were completely 
toin to pieces and the boat was so badly shattered that she sank lm- 
diately. * * * 

( Explosion No. 24.) 

The Steamboat Cherokee, exploded at Lewisbur°*, on the Ar¬ 
kansas liver, in 18K>. The boat had landed to put out some freight 
and passengers, and m shoving out, and before the engine had made 
more than two or three revolutions, her boilers, three in number, ex¬ 
ploded with such, violence, that the boat was completely shattered to 
pieces, and sank immediately. * * * 


STEAM BCILER EXPLOSIONS. 


26 


(. Explosion No. 25.) 

The Steamboat “Tiger,” exploded on the 16th of July, 1844.* She 
was towing over the bar, at the mouth of the Mississippi river, the 
bark Marcia, when all her boilers, six in number, burst, and were 
blown over board. * * * 

( Explosion No. 26.) 

The Steamboat “Tuscaloosa,” exploded on the Alabama river, 
about 10 miles above Mobile, in January, 1847. This explosion 
happened while the boat was under way; and had it been in daylight, 
a spectator on shore might have given a melancholy description of 
it—similar to that of the Moselle. But it happened in the darkress 
of the night, and at the time of a dreadful thunder storm. Her 
boilers, three in number exploded, carrying destruction in every di¬ 
rection. The cabin took fire, and tvhile burning, some powder caugl t 
which produced another explosion, and finally the boat sank. * * 

(Explosion No. 2 7 .) 

The “ A. N. Johnson ” exploded, about two miles above Maysville. 
This may be reckoned one among those awful and destructive ex¬ 
plosions. * * The boat was about landing, 

or had landed to put out a passenger, and before they got out under 
way again, all three of her boilers exploded, carrying destruction 
in every direction, and the boat was so badly wrecked that she sank 
immediately. #- * * 

( Explosion No. 28.) 

The steamer “ Blue Ridge ” exploded but a few days after the “ A. 
N. Johnson,” near Galiopolis, on the Ohio river. This occured in a 
snow storm; the pilot had stopped the engine for some time; as he 
could not see to steer well, but, finally, he rang the bell to go ahead, 
and before tl e engine had made more than one or two revolutions, 
her boilers, two in number, exploded and sank the boat immediately. 
* * * 

( Explosion No. 29. ) 

The “ Wyoming” collapsed at Cincinnati wharf, in 1835. Her cast 
iron foward-head blew out with such wonderful force, that the whole 
boiler jumped from its bed, and passing through the engine room, and 
over board into the river. * * 

The above list of explosions from No. 12, to No. 29 inclusive, are 
extracts, from a report of steamboiler explosions. * They are given 
without comment, merely to show what awful magazines they have 
been. To this number a great many more might be added from other 
sources, but it is thought that the above will serve as an example* 
EXPLOSION OF THE u MOSELLE,” AT CINCINNATI. 

(Explosion No. 30.) 

On the 20th of April 1838, between 4 and 5 o'clock in the after¬ 
noon, this shocking catastrophe occurred. * 


26 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


On leaving* the wharf at Cincinnati, the boat ran up the river tr 
take jn some families and freight. * 

The landing completed—the bow of the boat shoved from the shore, 
at the second or third revolution an explosion took place, by which 
the whole of the fore part of the vessel was literally blown up. * * 

The power of the explosion was unprecedented in the history of 
steam; its effect was like that of a mine of gun powder. All the 
boilers, four in number, were simultaneously burst. * * * 

Fragments of the boilers and of human bodies, were thrown both 
to the Kentucky and Ohio shore; and as the boat lay near the latter, 
some of the victims must have been thrown a quarter of a mile. * * 

A man with his head foremost, in falling, passed as far as his 
shoulders, through the roof of a house, distant 212 feet, and 59 feet 
in height above the edge of the water. * * * 

Dr. Locke, who was one of the committee appointed to investigate 
the cause of this accident, came to the conclusion from the extra 
weight that was hung on the safety-valve, that at the time of the ex¬ 
plosion, there must have been at least 500 lbs. per square inch, which 
according to calculation, was as much as such boilers could sustain. 

O 

% * * * 

Parts of the boilers were twisted up like leather, and thrown in 
every direction. One piece weighing 236 lbs. was blown 800 feet. 

* * * * 

Another witness says, a portion of a boiler weighing 450 lbs., waf 
thrown 170 feet; another 336 lbs., was thrown 480 feet distance 
This must have been projected to a great height, as it entered a roof 
which it broke through at an angle of sixty degrees. A third 
piece weighing 245 lbs., was driven 450 feet on the hill side, and 70 
feet in altitude. A fourth piece weighing 236 lbs., was driven 800 
feet. A fifth piece, 147 lbs., was thrown 330 feet off into a Tanyard 

To understand the full force of these measurements, which were 
carefully made ; it will be recollected that the Moselle, atfthe period 
of the explosion, was 116 feet from the edge of the water, and 192 
feet from the top of the river bank. * * * 

There can be but little doubt that the cause of this explosion, was 
simply the subjugation of the boilers, to inordinate pressure. It was 
ascertained that she came up to the raft under a steam pressure of 
125 to 150 lbs., per inch ; she lay there with boilers closed, and furn¬ 
ace as hot as dry wood could make it, for twenty minutes more. This 
must undoubtedly have more than doubled that pressure. There can 
be no dispute of the quality of the iron. Pieces of the boilers may 
be seen in the Cincinnati Museum, which determine the fact, that the 
iron drew out to half its thickness before the fracture took place.* 

It seems from the above extract, that it was the firm conviction 

*Report of Steam Boiler Explosions from the Commissioner of Patents to the Senate of 
the United States. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


27 

that those boilers exploded from simple steam pressure ; the pressure 
being gradually increased until finally the shell yielded, causing the 
above terrific explosion. Such a terrific result, as that of the explo¬ 
sion on the Moselle, was not caused by simple steam pressure, even 
if it had been increased sufficiently to rent or rupture the shell of the 
boilers, which would have required from 500 to 700 lbs. per square 
inch. In case simple steam had been generated to a pressure from 
500 to 700 lbs. per inch, rupture would undoubtedly have ensued, 
and that without projecting pieces, or doing any further damage.— 
And it is not likely that more than one out of the four boilers would 
nave been ruptured, as it is not probable that four boilers upon 
the same boat would be exactly of equal strength, so that all four 
' would rupture at the same time, or with the same pressure ; the weak¬ 
est one in such case would rent first, and this would relieve the others 
of undue pressure. Again if in the order of things it would have 
happened, so that these four boilers were constructed so as to bear ex- 
actlv equal pressures, they would have caused no other damage than 
four ruptures at the weakest points. And in case it were possible for 
the shell of those four boilers to have opened out, and the steam 
therein contained, let out instantaneously, the expansive force in all 
four boilers combined, could not have extended beyond a space of 30 
feet in diameter. With such elastic force, but little damage would 
have been the result. But instead of a simple steam pressure of 500 
to 700 lbs. per inch, there was most likely in this case from 20.000 
to 30.000 lbs. per inch pressure, of an instantaneous development from 
explosive elements. It will be seen that there is a great difference 
between these two forces. The former at 600 lbs. extends expan¬ 
sively only to an area of 30 feet in diameter, a distance entirely in¬ 
adequate for the projection of pieces of iron and human bodies, as in 
the case of the Moselle. The latter at 20.000 lbs. extending explo¬ 
sively to an area of about 200 feet in diameter, a distance probably 
equal to, but not more than would be required for a projectile 
force necessary to throw heavy pieces of fractures, and human bodies, 
besides causing a perfect wreck of the boat as in the above 
case. 

A thorough investigation of the law that governs projectile forces, 
is sufficient to decide the above case. It is stated, that pieces of 
these boilers after the explosion, were twisted up like leather. Such 
is not unusual with steam boiler explosions—it however, is not the 
case with a regular expansive fi rce. This part of the subject will be 
treated under its proper head. 


28 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


The following list shows the number of Steamboat explosions, that 
occurred in each locality, as far as reported:* 

( No. 1.) 


Alabama River,. 9 

Apalachicola,. 3 

Aikansas,. 3 

At Sea,. 1 

Blakely, Alabama,. 2 

Buffalo,. 2 

Baltimore,. 3 

Balize,. 2 

Black Warrior River.... 1 

Charleston, South Carolina,. 6 

Chattahoochee,. 2 

Cumberland River,. 2 

Coal Port. 1 

Champlain Lake,. 1 


James River.. .. 1 

Lake Ponchartraiu,. 3 

M obile. 5 

Mississippi River,. 90 

Missouri,. 5 

Michillimacikiuac,. 1 

Ohio River. 4 • 

Potomac,. 1 

Rio Grande,. 4 

Red River,. 2 

Savannah River.. 4 

Tombigbee,. 1 

Waters adjacent Mew York. 14 

Yazoo River,. 1 


Coast of Florida,. I 

Delaware River. 4 

Detroit. 1 

Elizabeth City, North Carolina,. 1 

Gulf of Florida,. 1 

Gal con da. 1 

Gulf of Mexico. 1 

Galveston,.•. 1 

Illinois River,. 3 


225 

Places not noted,. 8 

233 


Mississippi river and its tributaries, 14G 
Southern and Wc;te.n Waters,.... 202 


DATE OF STEAMBOAT EXPLOSIONS.f 


1816.. 3.1825.. 2... 

1817.. 4 .1826.. 3... 

1819.. 1.1827.. 2... 

Ic2».. 1.1828.. 1... 

1821.. 1.1*29.. 4... 

1822.. 1.1830..12... 

The Knoxville exploded... 
*■ Redstone “ 

“ Timour “ 

“ T. McDaniel “ 

“ A. N. Johnsou “ 

Augus'a “ 

“ black Hawk “ 

“ “ Diamond “ 

“ Blue Ridge “ 

“ Buckeye 
“ Cherokee “ 

“ Clipper No. 1 “ 

Geu. Brown “ 

“ Lucy Walker “ 

“ Marquette “ 

“ Moselle “ 

“ Richmond “ 

“ Tiger “ 

“ Tuscaloosa “ 

“ Unity “ 

v * • 

" Wilmington •* 

“ La Eourchec “ 


( No. 
.1831. 
.1852. 
.1833. 
.1834. 

..1835. 
.1836. 
( No. 


2 .) 
. 2 . 
. 1 . 

* £• 

’. 10 . 

.13. 

s.; 


.1837. .13.1843.. 9 

.1838.. 11.1844.. 4 

.1839.. 3.1845.. 11 

.1*40.. 8.1846.. 7 

.1841.. 7.1847. .12 

.1842.. 7.1848..12 

. 2 boilers, 

0 «< 

• •••• ••••»•••••••••• /w 

. 2 “ 


. 3 *• 

. 4 “ 

. 3 

.all numbers not stated. 

. 2 

. 3 

. 3 

. 5 

.4 “ 

. 3 

. 3 

.. 4 er 

. 3 

. 6 “ 

. 3 

all numbers not stated. 

. 3 “ 

. 7 flues. 


Seventy one boilers exploded, at twenty exp os ions. 

^Report of Steamboat Explosions to the U. S. Senate. 
TUate given in 177 cases ; not stated in 05 cases ; total '273, 










































































STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS) 


29 


AVhy is it, that of the explosions reported in table No. 1, that two 
hundred and two, or ,867 per cent., occurred on the Southern and 
Western waters; one hundred and forty-six, or,626 per cent., on the 
Mississippi River and its tributaries; ninety, or .386 per cent., on the 
Mississippi River alone; forty, or.172 per cent., on the Ohio River? 

There must be some reason-, why, such a great per-centage of ex¬ 
plosions has occurred on the above named waters, and especially on the 
Mississippi and Ohio rivers. It is said that the cause, and the only 
cause, is attributable to-the reckless and ignorant character of Wes¬ 
tern and Southern boatmen ; especially engineers and captains. Such 
arguments will not stand the test of logic, Are we to be told that 
there is such a great difference between boatmen of different localities ? 
That the ignorant, and the reckless have so largely concentrated in 
the Western and Southern portion of the Union, and especially upon 
the Ohio and Mississipi rivers. But from table No, 2, it would appear, 
that the ignorant, and reckless character of those Western and South¬ 
ern engineers, has been periodical; that during certain periods or 
years, there have been great variations with regard to number, in each 
year; for example, 1835, 36, 37, and 38, were unfortunate years, while 
1839 shows the occurrence of but 3 explosions. A much better solution 
of the question is, to attribute these great percentages of explosions on 
our Western and Southern waters, to their specific localities, and pecu¬ 
liar state, or condition of the atmosphere—-such will harmonize with 
the true character thereof. That certain localities at certain periods 
are rife with danger of those terrible consequences, is ascertained from 
the history of explosions, as well, as from certain experiments.* 

Again, why is it that nearly all explosions occur while the engine 
is at rest, or at the second or third revolution, after it has been at rest 
for some time? In answer to this question, a number of hypothesis 
or conjectures have been resorted to, notone of them, however will 
be applicable in all cases—nor does it appear that any one has abso¬ 
lutely been established in any one specific case of explosion. The 
main causes comprising the hypothesis refered to, arc the following. 

First it is claimed that when the engine is at rest, boilers closed, 
lire in action, ( as in case of the “Moselle) that the moment the 
throttle valve is opened to* fill the cylinders, causing an instantaneous 
concussion or reaction in the bcilers, when unduly charged with steam, 
an instant explosion ensues. Such is not the case ; explosions 

according to the report of explosions do not follow on the first 
opening of the throttle valve, but, usually about the second or third 
revolution of the engine which shows that this supposed reaction, or 

♦With email Steam Boilers under different circumstances, by the author. 


so 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


concussion lias taken place, from four to six times usually before tlie 
explosion followed, besides filling the cylinders twice for each revolu¬ 
tion, which would be (at ^ cut off in two revolutions, with two en¬ 
gines,) four cylinders full of steam drawn from the boilers before ex¬ 
plosions usually take place. This amount of steam drawn from unduly 
strained boilers, does relieve them to some extent of that great pres¬ 
sure, so that there is no reason for a boiler bursting from undue pres¬ 
sure, after the engine has made several revolutions. Another part of 
the theory, is, that when a boat stops to put out, or take on passen¬ 
gers or freight, while thus at rest, the fires wholly or partially in action, 
the water gets low from wastage, or otherwise, the boilers and 
flues become unduly heated—‘the steam pressure at rest causing the 
water to have a perfectly smooth surface—everything quiet; next the 
bell is rung for readiness; the engine is set in motion ; the throttle 
valve is opened ; the steam rushes to that point, causing a commotion 
in the water in the boilers, by relieving the pressure— in this upheav¬ 
ing of the water, the red-hot flues and side plates become immersed ; 
this causing the water on the red-hot iron to be rapidly converted into 
steam of great elastic pressure an explosion ensues. Or in cases 
where this argument does not seem rational, it is claimed, (in place 
of internal commotion ) that the doctor, or supply pump was put to 
action, jetting water upon those unduly heated flues, and plates, 
thereby causing the rapid generation of highly elastic steam, thereby 
causing those numerous explosions which take place just after the en¬ 
gine has made two or three revolutions. 

The two last named causes must fall from the fact, that well direct* 
ed experiments will show, that water thrown upon unduly heated iron 
does not evaporate instantly ; nor does it vaporize upon unduly heated 
metal, as rapidly as when the temperature is reduced* From well 
directed experiments, it is evident that most rapid vaporization 
takes place at a temperature far below a red-heat. 

There is, however, a reason why nearly all explosions occur after 
the engine has been at rest for sometime. It is a truth founded in 
physical analogy, and proven by well directed experiments, that steam 
boilers do explode by the accumulation of the explosive combination 
of certain elements within. This being the case, it is plainly seen 
why nearly all explosions occur after the engine has been for sometime 
at rest. 

Steam machinery is usually so proportioned, that the cylinders ex¬ 
haust the steam in the boilers, once from nine to fifteen revolutions, 
occupying usually from oneTialf, to three-fourths of a minute. The 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


O -< 

o 1 

engines thus exhausting the boilers, at least once every minute, gives 
but little time for some of those elements to accumulate in explo¬ 
sive proportion; because, as fast as these dangerous elements accu- 
mulate, they are uniformly exhausted through the cylinders, so that 
rarely enough accumulate, while the engines are at work, to cause an 
explosion. A similar reason is, why, locomotive explosions, are, less 
frequent than those on steamboats ; as the cylinders of the former ex¬ 
haust all the steam from the locomotive boiler, in a shorter period* 
than those of river engines. But there is also another cause, besides, 
why, locomotives are more exempt from explosions than steamboats, 
Rnd this, is, that they are Usually running in localities, where one of 
those explosive elements does not exist in such abundance, as is the 
case on some of our Western and Southern waters. 

Another remarkable circumstance often occurs at steam boiler ex¬ 
plosions, which is, that sometimes all the boilers on board of vessels, 
or otherwise, explode at the same instant. This may be seen from 
table No. 3, which shows that in twenty explosions, seventy-one 
boilers were exploded. If boilers explode from undue pressure, unduly 
heated plates, deficiency of water, or any other cause or causes usually 
attributed to explosions, (all of which may be resolved in the one 
theory, that the pressure within becomes too great for the strength 
of the boiler,) why does it so often follow that from two to five boilers 
explode at the same time, and in many cases all on board, even as 
many as seven ? Is it good logic to suppose that in so many instan¬ 
ces, where more than one boiler exploded, that they were in such cases, 
of such uniform strength, that it took exactly the same number of 
pounds per inch pressure to explode all, as it required to explode one 
of the number? Is it likely that even if some boilers were con¬ 
structed of exact equal strength, that it would happen that they 
would be so equally mated upon the same boat in so many instances? 
Would it not seem more consistent to suppose that these terrible 
explosions are caused by some explosive elements, (ofsuch power that 
no boilers, however, strong or weak can withstand) which in such 
cases are instantaneously communicated from boiler to boiler, through 
the connecting pipe? But, again, all the boilers upon a boat do not 
always contain the proportionate base of this explosive element; in 
such cases explosions could not result from a connection with the 
boiler, whose elements are in active explosion. Therefore such boiler 
would remain unexploded, while the one or more by its side contain¬ 
ing the explosive base, would violently explode. 

It is a law of nature, that the compression and expansion of atmos* 


52 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


pheric air, depends upon the force applied in proportion to the space 
occupied. If a cylinder 48 inches long* in the clear, closed at the bot¬ 
tom, into which a piston working air tight and free of friction is placed, 
it being drawn to the top end of the cylinder, admitting air in below by 
an apperture—after closing the apperture the piston is loaded with one 
atmosphere, or about 15 lbs., it will move downward till within 24 
inches of the bottom when it will come to a stand; having compress¬ 
ed the atmosphere in the cylinder into one half its former space. If 
we then add an additional weight of 15 lbs., the piston will again 
move downward to within 12 inches of the bottom, where it will again 
be brought to rest; having by adding a double weight compressed the 
atmosphere, into one half its last named volume. If we next double 
the last named weight, which will be 60 lbs., the piston will again 
move downwards, until within 6 inches of the bottom, where it will 
remain stationary ; having compressed the air into one half its last 
named volume. If we now reverse the experiment by removing one 
half of the weight of the piston, which is 30 lbs., it will instantly rise 
to a point 12 inches distant from the bottom. If another one half 
which is 15 lbs. be removed, it will rise to a point 24 inches distant 
from the bottom. If we finally remove the remaining 15 lbs., the piston 
will ascend to the top of the cylinder again. This law of compression 
and expansion, is applicable to steam boilers; because steam follows 
the same law of compression and expansion as atmospheric air does. 

Steam boiler explosions in many instances present a scene of much 
greater destruction than that resulting from gunpowder—yet such 
terrific consequences are attributed to simple steam pressure. 

Let us compare the explosive force of gunpowder, with the expan¬ 
sive force of simple steam. Proper mixtures of niter,, wood-charcoal 
and sulphur, when ignited, explodes with a terrific report; while 
simple steam under a pressure of 500 lbs. per inch, if instantly set 
free, does not resemble it in the least. 

The explosive force of gunpowder is at least 16.000 lbs. per square 
inch, “Dr. Ure estimates the explosive volume of gunpowder at 
more than two thousand, the explosive solid.” According to this 
measurement its explosive force would be about 32.000 lbs. per square 
inch. But taking 16.000 lbs. as a safe estimate, and we have an ex¬ 
plosive volume of 1024, its explosive solid—while simple steam at 
500 lbs. per square inch pressure, will only yield 32 volumes, that is, 
it will occupy 32 volumes at the atmospheric pressure, instead of 1 
volume at 500 lbs.—shewing that steam at 500 lbs. pressure, will 
expand to 32 volumes, while gunpowder at the lowest explosive cal- 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


33 


dilation, will explode to 1024 volumes. One volume incli of gun¬ 
powder if ignited in a tube (of proper temperature, say 590° FalTr. 
to prevent the rapid absorbtion of caloric from the exploded gas) will 
expand to 128 inches; while that of steam at 500 lbs. under similar 
conditions, will only expand to 4 inches. Now if this law be applied 
to steam (which it certainly is applicable to,) it will be seen at once, 
that the expansive distance of simple steam at 500 lbs. per inch 
pressure, in a 42 inch boiler, will not extend beyond a circumference 
of 63 inches from the shell, at which point it will be brought to an 
equilibrium in consequence of the atmosphere. This is the true law 
that governs the expansive property of simple steam; it expands if 
relieved from its confinement equally in all directions, until counter¬ 
acted by the atmospheric pressure. 

Reason would ask, how can such limited steam expansion, ( even at 
a pressure of 500 lbs, that will rupture, or cause leakage in a boiler 42 
inches in diameter, and £inch iron ) project large fragments of explo¬ 
ded boilers half a mile, lacking six yards,* and, whole boilers, on a 
horizontal line, to the distance of 540 feet, through several tiers of 
flour barrels, or through several of the neighboring boats.f 

Those who attribute steam boiler explosions to simple steam, will 
say that those boilers, and fragments of boilers, were thrown to such 
great distances, by the momentum acquired during the few feet of 
steam expansion. Such logic must fall fruitless, under correct reason¬ 
ing. The projection of bodies depend upon certain conditions of causes 
—that is, the force applied in combination with the distance, to the 
point of suspension, corresponding to weight, velocity, resistance, and 
degree of elevation, gives the exact range, or distance of projection. 

It, however, does not require such mathemetical calculations to as¬ 
certain, whether, the simple steam pressure that may be generated 
in an ordinary boiler, with a few feet of limited expansion, can project 
fragments of boilers, and even chimneys, nearly across the Ohio river; J 
causing locomotives ( weighing twenty tons ) to ascend up into the air 
some thirty feet, and making a summerset in the ascent, at the same 
time passing through the roof of the shed, under which it stood, and 
landing some sixty yards from the place of explosion.^ 

A man was projected 100 yards, through the solid wall of a house, 
into abed.ff It is not likely that this man was in contact with the 
shell of the boiler, at the time of the explosion, and therefore did not 

* See the account of the Redstone, No. 5. 

t See the account of the Knoxville, No. 4. 

t The Redstone. No. 5. 

$ The Irk Locomotive, No._ II* 

* The explosion of the Clipper, No. XV. 



34 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


receive the momentum, necessary for such an enormous projection 
from a few feet of simple steam expansion. 

Part of an engine was driven with tremendous force, into one of the 
state rooms, passing thence through the hurricane deck,into the river.* 

Those who have any knowledge how far engines are usually located 
from the boilers, will certainly not attribute the preceeding case, to 
simple steam expansion, when the engine was situated entirely beyond 
the reach of simple steam expansion; besides being secured to the 
boat so firmly, that nothing short of the most explosive elements in 
nature, could remove it. 

Again, it may be asked, where did this simple steam expansion ob¬ 
tain a fulcrum, to seperate a part of this engine, and project it 
through the boat, into the river—did the atmosphere serve as a ful - 
crum ? It cannot be, steam at ordinary working pressure, or even at 
500 lbs. per inch, ( a pressure that will rupture most boilers,) when 
freed, expands too slowly to use the atmosphere as a fulcrum, to move 
ponderous objects. There is, however, a phenomenon connected with 
steam boiler explosions, which direct the explosion, often in certain 
directions ; this will be noticed under its proper head. 

A boiler 3 ft. in diameter, and 8 ft. long, was driven to such a great 
height, that it appeal’d to be the size of a lard keg, and was supposed 
to have been 1000 ft. high.f Applying the law of simple steam ex¬ 
pansion to this case, we shall find that it falls far short of the neces¬ 
sary projectile force. 

Again in the case of the Moselle, I will give the language of the 
report: 

“ The bow of the boat was shoved off, and at the second or third 
“ revolution of the wheel, an explosion ensued, which destroyed every 
“ part of her upper works as well as the machinery of the boat. The 
“ hull drifted a considerable distance, and was landed just below the 
“ city water works, where it sank a perfect wreck. The passengers 
“ were unhappily on deck, and especially, as is usual, forward, as af- 
“ fording the broadest platform; and were immediately over the 
“ boilers. More than two hundred human beings of all atjes and con- 
“ ditions were instantaneously projected a prodigious distance in the 
“ air. One man, with his head foremost fell, passing as far as his 
“ shoulders through a house roof, distant two hundred and twelve 
“ feet, and fifty-nine feet in height above the waters edge.”]; 

Here then we have another proof among the many in the history 
of steam boiler explosions—that simple steam pressure has nothing to 
do with it. In the above dase—not only were the boilers most vio- 


* The explosion of the Josephine, No. XVI. 
t See explosion, No. 9. 

3 Report of the Conamissonier of Patents to the U. 8. Senate.- 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


35 


icntiy exploded and projected to both shores; but the machinery was 
entirely destroyed, besides moving the deck, loaded with about 10 
tons of human beings, in the air, to such a great height, that some 
landed on both shores, while another broke the roof of a house in fall¬ 
ing. Take the steam contained in the above four boilers, even at 500 
lbs. per square inch pressure, and adding it into one volume, which 
Mill be about 570 cubic feet—at 500 lbs. pressure, if set free it will 
expand to 32 volumes, which will be about 18.000 cubic feet. Now 
if we make a calculation of the space around the boilers, (not 
taking into consideration the unobstructed openings in front and 
sides of the bow,) we have ample space for the instantaneous expansion 
of the entire volume of steam contained in these four boilers, without 
moving the deck upwards, or injuring a human being thereon. These 
two hundred human beings that crowded the deck, were out of 
the reach of the simple steam expansion contained in those boilers. 
With so many examples of this character in the history of steam 
boiler explosions, it is really surprising that men have not, long- 
si nee, abandoned the old theory of such terrific explosions resulting 
from steam pressure. For all the branches of that “theory” may be 
resolved into this one, that of excessive internal pressure. 

The boiler may be defective in material, or construction, or it may 
be unduly heated so as to weaken it, or it may be unduly charged 
with steam. Yet all these may be resolved into the one head, “exces¬ 
sive internal pressure.” For say they, if a boiler explodes with 14, 
24, or 50 lbs. per inch, it had a flaw, or stays gave way, or the 
plates were suffered to become red-hot, in consequence of a deficency 
of water, thereby diminishing the strength. It is, however, a sin¬ 
gular fact in the history of steam boiler explosions, that often where 
the immediate cause of explosions, has ( by the old theory) been 
attributed to unduly heated metal, defective material, defective work¬ 
manship, bad form — that most violent and terrific results were 
manifested. One would suppose that in case a boiler is so much 
weakened, by the presence of unduly heated metal, defective materi¬ 
al, defective construction, or bad form—that of course it would require 
but low pressure to rend it—and that the result would be proportiontate 
—and would not project pieces half a mile. 

It is the prevailing opinion, that steam boilers do explode from 
■excessive steam pressure within; especially so, since the Com¬ 
mittee of the Franklin Institute, of the State of Pennsylvania, have, 
in a report made to the Treasury Department of the United States, 
stated.- “ That all the circumstances attending the most violent ex- 

O 


36 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


plosions may occur without a sudden increase of pressure within a 
boiler.”* 

Here we have the whole theory in one sentence. But, unfortunate¬ 
ly this committee has committed a great error, by selecting that de¬ 
serted “quarry” for experimenting.! 

In experimenting upon the causes and preventive of steam boiler 
explosions, I selected a spot whereon the atmosphere might be im¬ 
pregnated with foreign matter, or explosive elements, in order to as¬ 
certain whether there may not be a union of external elements, with 
the internal elements of a steam boiler, thereby causing explosions. 

After these experiments, to my surprise, I found in a “ report ” on 
steam boiler explosions, that the above named “ committee ” had se¬ 
lected a similar place for their experiments, but for a different pupose. J 

They undertook to ascertain what sort of bursting would be produced 
by simple steam pressure, the pressure being gradually increased. 
They produced two violent explosions, one a copper, and the other a 
iron boiler, on the first trial in this deserted stone quarry—which 
seemed to them justifiable in uttering the above sentence. At another 
time they undertook to repeat Mr. Perkins’ experiment.^ 

It appears that they went in a quarry pit, adjacent to that in which 
the cylindric boilers were exploded—and before the experiment was 
carried to the point intended, a violent explosion ensued, destroying 
the whole apparatus, so the experiment was abandoned. 

“Mr. Perkins ” experimented in London, and forunately in an 
atmosphere that was not impregnated with the element necessary for 
to produce explosions. Had he been with his generaters in that de¬ 
serted stone quarry pit, the result of his experiments might have 
proven the forfeiture of his life—instead of producing a steam pressure 
of sixty atmospheres. 

Is that “ committee ” certain that it was correct in stating, that 
those boiler explosions in that stone quarry pit, were the purely re¬ 
sult of simple steam pressure ? Are they certain that there was no 
foreign element present, that penetrated or combined with the elements 
within those boilers which so violently exploded ? 

* Journal Franklin Institute, 1836, page 225. 

t The place selected for the experiment, was a deserted quarry, on the banks of the 
Pennypack, near Holmesburg. The high bank served as a protection, by the aid of which 
the experiments were viewed with little danger. 

I To secure the experimenters against danger, the high bank obviated it. 

$ Journal of the Franklin Institute, 1836, page 223. 



PART II. 


All changes in nature, may be classified with polarity, under the 
principle of positive and negative, attraction and repulsion, combina¬ 
tion and analization, origin and ultimate, growth and decay, cold and 
heat, expansion and contraction, light and darkness, cause and effect, 
etc., ect. The student of nature, will see that her infinite variety of 
changes are the result of parent or original principles; that original 
principles forms the base of subsequent changes. These phenomena 
may be traced through all the forms of material existence—all forma¬ 
tions, and all results in nature, are impregnated with these principles. 
Polarity as classified under the above heads, may be traced to the con¬ 
volution of matter. The innumerable globes that are existing through¬ 
out space, are the necessary result of polarity. That polarity was 
established in the existence of matter anterior to the convolution 
thereof, is manifested throughout all subsequent formation. Without 
the existence of polarity in the primary constitution of matter, subse¬ 
quent convolution could not have taken place. 

Motion, owes its existence to polarity—without which, material 
worlds, or globes could not have been formed. Matter would never 
have changed from its original state without motion. And motion 
could not have been transmitted to matter without “positive and 
negative ” * principles, to move it, or in anyway effect a change. 

The existence of polarity with positive and negative principles, 
seems to imply, antagonistic or opposite principles in nature. Such, 
however, is not the case—in nature these principles imply harmony— 
and tend to the development of subsequent formations. Having, 
then, from causality, access to some of nature’s original natural prin¬ 
ciples or laws, we can without difficulty trace many of her phenome¬ 
na, to their legitimate causes and corresponding effects. That which 


* The term Positive and .Negative is only used in the absenceof a more appropriate one. 




38 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OF 


is a development of parent causes, (all things taken into considera¬ 
tion,) must present a close analogy thereto. And in like manner, if 
polarity effected the convolution of the matter that composes this 
globe with all its elements, then this globe, ( from analogy, with 
all its material elements, either in the solid, liquid, gaseous, or 
aeriform state,) must present a corresponding analogy throughout 
all subsequent changes, or developments. 

Is it a truth, or, is it but a fabulous theory, that all material nature, 
is impregnated with the principle of original polarity? let the experi¬ 
ence of the world, with all its well directed experiments answer. The 
true astronomer can discover the principles of Polarity in every direc¬ 
tion of the siderial heavens, to which he can direct the gigantic vision 
of his telescope. The whole science of astronomy owes its entire 
existence to the principle of Polarity, without which, none of those 
innumerable luminaries with their appendages could have been brought 
in motion.* The natural philosopher discovers that nature is every¬ 
where impregnated with this principle. So with the true anatomical 
physiologist, he can even trace in the human “ brain, (which is the 
highest in the scale of material developments,) the principle of origi¬ 
nal Polarity. The Geologist, Mineralogist, the Botanist, and even the 
Metaphysician, cannot establish the real fundamental principles of 
their favorite researches, without the acknowledgement of this univer- 
sal principle. While the chemist discovers that his branch of the 
great science of nature is entirely composed of this original principle 
of nature—not a step can he advance in analyzing or combining the 
elements, without observing this principle in its various phenomena of 
Positive, and Negative, attraction and repulsion, expansion and con¬ 
traction, etc., etc. Meteorology testifies that all substances that are 
in an aeriform state, are subject to this primary law of “ polarity .” 
Within the limit altitude of the atmosphere, there are innumerable 
columns that extend from different heights, down to the earth. These 
are composed of materials that float in the atmosphere, and are com¬ 
posed of the ingredients of various decomposed substances, such as ani¬ 
mal and vegetable matter, under various circumstances. 

These substances are on the principle of attractive, and repulsive 
conditions, concentrated to form extensive columns of cylindric form, 

*A 11 suns, planets and satelites, throughout the immensity of space, are propelled in their 
eccentric orbits, and are governed in their concentric state, upon original transmitted polar 
principles, is evident from a careful investigation of the movements of the planetary uni¬ 
verse. 

11 lie human as veil as the animal brain, performs its numerous functions upon a highly 
refined polar state; all our thoughts and feelings are founded npon these principles—we love, 
because it seems agreeable, we hate because it seems adverse, or disagreeable—happiness in 
thought is attractive, while its opposite is repulsive, so with all our mental actions, thev 
are but the result of this original universal law of nature. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


39 

which may strike the earth perpendicularly, or at any angle with a 
horizontal line—and are only localized for certain periods—when they 
will again be dissolved by the change of their polar conditions, ana 
transmitted to other localities ; or they may become combined with 
other elements, and their peculiar composition lost in the progressive 
energy of natuie. These columns of aeriform matter have one pole 
in contact with the earth, while the other is often a great distance 
fiom it; if they are composed of miasma, or poisonous matter they 
produce epidemics of various characters, corresponding to their pecu¬ 
liar constitutions. Thus, it is often the case that epidemics are raging 
over certain localities, either of a circular, elliptic, or other forms, in 
conformity with the angularity of the base of the column, and its 
affinity for the peculiar district or locality. Thus in crowded cities, 
and especially in those parts thereof, where filth, and debility prevails 
(which forms a natural base for these poisonous aeriforms,) will 
these columns dip down and remain until exhausting the base—which 
is a foul state of the locality, either from filthiness of the inhabitants, 
or from a peculiar geological and atmospherical combination : in either 
case there must be a polar affinity between the specific locality and 
the axis of the peculiar aeriform trunk or columns. There are no 
material instruments constructed, that will define with certainty the 
existence and extent of these aeriform trunks or columns of surcharged 
effluvia; the human constitution under proper circumstances, is the 
only indication. An individual who has for a number of years, been 
a vegetarian, and has obeyed nature’s laws in other respects, is a 
perfect aerimeter, and can tell the existence and extent of these un¬ 
healthy aeriform miasmatic columns—it produces a peculiarly uncom¬ 
fortable sensation upon his constitution, that warns him of danger. 

Again there are other phenomena connected with this subject, such 
as “Meteors” and “Aerolites.” Meteors have excited much atten¬ 
tion among natural philosophers, a number of hypothesis have been 
resorted to, in order to account for their origin. Some have sup¬ 
posed that meteors or shooting stars, originate in space beyond the 
extent of the earth’s atmosphere, and only become luminous on enter¬ 
ing the atmosphere. It is however, very consistent with analogy, 
that they are of terrestrial origin, and belong to our atmosphere, as 
other aeriform phenomena do. There is a perfect analogy between 
meteors or shooting stars, and the miasmatic columns—with this dif¬ 
ference however, that the meteor is of a different combination of 
materials, which are highly combustible, and under certain conditions 
of oolar, or positive and negative principles, combustion takes place, 


40 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OF 


which causes their luminous appearance—and decomposes their com¬ 
bination throughout their whole length with amazing velocity. Mete¬ 
ors are composed of the concentration of combustible materials of a 
trunk or tube form of small diameter, and of great length, is evident 
from their amazing velocity—which is ascertained to be from 18 to 36 
and in some cases 45 miles per second—which at the latter figure, 
would be over two hundred times the velocity of a cannon ball. 
With such a velocity, or even one fourth thereof, if, it were a sub¬ 
stance, (as some suppose,) projected from without, like a rocket, 
the atmosphere would not yield, but would under such velocity be 
as resistless as a rock. Therefore the conclusion must be, that they 
are volumes, of highly combustible materials in an aeriform state, of 
comparably very small diameter, but of great length—which pecu¬ 
liarity of length and diameter is owing to the peculiar polarity of the ele¬ 
ments of such combination ; and when combustion takes place at one 
pole, it will with immense velocity follow the volume of combustible 
element to the opposite pole, decomposing in its course the -whole 
volume. Aerolites follow the same general law, but differ in several 
important respects. In the combustion of meteors or shooting stars, 
there is no fall of stones; all the decomposed substance enters into an 
aeriform state again. The explosion of large meteors, project frag¬ 
ments of their exploded masses in the form and appearance of stones 
to great distances—these are aerolites. The great meteor that appear¬ 
ed in New England on the 4th of December, 1807, which exploded 
with three distinct reports, like those of a four-pounder, dropped stones 
at six places, the most remote, nine miles apart. The fragments were 
from powder up to 35 lbs. From the fragments of one, it was 
supposed that it must have weighed 200 lbs. 

The great meteor which passed over England, on the 18th of 
August, 1783, is said to have moved with a velocity of 2000 miles a 
minute, and finally exploded. Much speculation has prevailed among 
modern philosophers, concerning these aeriolites. “That these aerio- 
lites, or falling stones are projected by lunar volcanoes within the 
sphere of terrestrial attraction, ” * cannot be correct; as the projectile 
force on the moon’s volcanoes, would have to be of such an incon- 
ceiveable force as to project these great masses of stones over 6000 
miles at least, before they would come within the earth’s attraction. 
A much more rational solution, is to classify it with other known at¬ 
mospheric phenomena. That they are concretions actually formed in 
the atmosphere, upon the foregoing principles of polarity, may be 


* Theory of LaPlace. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


41 


deduced from well known laws.* How such solid and weighty 
bodies can be formed in the rare medium of the atmosphere, it will be 
asked. The reply is, that the elements of their composition were in 
an aeriform state prior to their solid state, and by the foregoing law of 
polarity, concentration of their constituent elements takes place, and 
in the act of condensation by polar affinity, combustion at the positive 
pole is the result, while the temperature produces incandescence * 
when the mass thus in active fusion is by polar affinity directed 
towards the opposite pole, and in traversing from pole to pole, the 
center of the fused elements of combustion repels the decomposed 
gas, while it attracts in its onward path, minute particles of aeriform 
matter—which are changed by the extreme heat, to their solid state, 
and deposited upon its main center; while thus forming and increas¬ 
ing in density, until reaching the opposite pole, when another condi¬ 
tion of things takes place; that is, the elements of combustion are ex¬ 
hausted, the external temperature is lowered, contraction commences, 
while the internal temperature is incandescent, and explosion must 
follow. That their heat is extreme, and of a peculiar nature, appears 
evident, from the fact that fallen masses of stones were so hot, “that 
after six hours they could not be touched without causing a burn.”f 
Volumes might be written upon these aeriform phenomena, but these 
examples will suffice for an illustration of our subject. Upon the 
foregoing principles, I will endeavor to maintain that the phenomenon 
of steam boiler explosions may be accounted for. 

That the world may yet become acquainted with extraordinary ex¬ 
plosive elements of this character, will be idle to deny. There are 
compound elements now known by chemists, of a fulminate nature, 
such as “ chloride of nitrogen,” of which 100 lbs. properly prepared, 
and properly distributed, would be sufficient to explode all the steam 
boilers on the Mississipi river, besides destroying its whole number of 
boats. Such are the effects of some of nature’s elements, when de¬ 
veloped from a latent state. And we have traces of the constituent 
elements of this compound in the atmosphere, besides many other explo¬ 
sive substances are in the atmosphere in a latent state, some of which are 
only found in certain Geographical localities; some of the most explosive, 
which could not heretofore have been detected by chemical apparatus, on 
account of their active penetrability. There are elements in an aeri¬ 
form state, that will upon polar principles, unite explosively with other 
elements in the fluid state, under certain conditions of heat, which 


* Chemical affinity of atomical nature upon polarity, 
t Jlumbolt. 



42 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OF 


forms “fulminates” of the most extraordinary character, in explo¬ 
sive effect; differing vastly from gunpowder—acting upon the princi¬ 
ple of the most violent reaction percussion from pole to pole, twisting, 
tearing, and scattering every thing within its explosive sphere ; while 
that of the proper mixture of sulpher, charcoal, and nitre, ( which 
forms gunpowder, ) in explosion acts more upon the principle of ex¬ 
pansion and projection. That there exists at certain limes, in certain 
localities, elements in an aeriform state, that will unite explosively 
with water under certain conditions of heat, has been proven by well 
directed experiments.* And chemists will undoubtedly discover these 
aeriform elements, so soon as they can construct the proper apparatus 
adequate for the confinement thereof. These aeriform elements pene¬ 
trate the ordinary metals, like light does transparent glass, or like 
caloric, or attraction, or gravity penetrates, or permeates other substaces. 

The existence, and concentration of these aeriform elements, are 
analagous to those of miasmatic columns, meteors, shooting stars, 
aerolites; and resemble the former, especially in seeking by polar 
affinity, a base upon the earth, in certain localities, and under certain 
conditions. The polar tendency, of the minute particles of these aeri 
form diffused elements, is to form a centre, thence diverging in any 
direction, where a proper base for an opposite pole may be, which is 
often that of a steam boiler, with the water thereof in active ebulli¬ 
tion. When it is the case that a steam boiler, ( without an operating- 
engine attached, ) comes into polar affinity with a volume of such 
aeriform elements, the consequence proves terrific. If however, an 
engine is attached, and exhausts the steam rapidly from the boiler, or 
boilers, the terrific results are often obviated in consequence of these 
elements passing off' with the steam, through the engine -without reach¬ 
ing the water, especially if the steam is saturated steam, which forms 
a union with these elements, not explosively, but expansively, 
which only gives the engine greater power, and activity, with the ex¬ 
ception, however, of sometimes exploding a steam pipe, or blowing- 
out a cylinder head, or in case the steam becomes much saturated in 
passing from the boiler to the cylinder, in which case a violent explo¬ 
sion ot the latter may be the consequence. But if the steam in the 
boiler, or boilers, is unsaturated steam, for which, these elements have 
less afiinit) r , in which case they often penetrate, and come in contact 
with the heated water, when thus united and under certain con¬ 
ditions of heat, ebullition ceases, and the water takes a charge of the 
heat in a latent state; thence contraction of the water, and united el- 
* The Authors. 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


43 


eraents takes place, "when-the whole volume, or a portion thereof, (as 
the case may be, ) assumes a spheroid form, in which state of things, 
an explosion with all its terrific consequences, is near at hand. 
And it makes no difference, whether a steam boiler be situated on 
and, in, or outside of a building, these dangerous elements will find 
their way, in, as on a vessel on water, at rest, or in motion. The 
polar affinity may become established just as perfect, while the vessel 
is moving, as when at rest; with this difference, however, that when 
the vessel is in motion, or more properly speaking, if the engine is 
at work, there is less danger of an explosion, for the reasons before 
stated. 

These elements vary in degrees of explosion, corresponding to 
perfect or imperfect state of combination, for example, if the whole 
volume of water in a boiler, or boilers, becomes completely impregna¬ 
ted with these elements, then the whole volume must explode, and the 
result will be most terrific ; but, if only a portion of the water becomes 
properly united with these elements, the result will be proportionate. 

It will be recollected that it Avas stated that the explosions under 
this head, act upon the principle of re-action percussion, and it should 
be further remarked that the explosive force, is often in a certain di¬ 
rection, which is in perfect harmony with other phenomena, such as 
electricity in its zigzag course ; the meteors, aerolites, moving in certain 
directions, under the law of polarity.* So with the explosion in a 
steam boiler, if the explosion is limited, that is, if only a small por¬ 
tion of the Avater is charged Avith these aeriform elements, the ex¬ 
plosive force, or percussion, may be directed upon the flues causing 


* Tornadoes are caused and governed by the universal parent law of Polarity. The grand 
tornado, (like other electrical storms,) progresses from positive to negative, or from in¬ 
terior to exterior elements. Latent caloric belongs to the interior, or positive state of na- 
tu e ; while those elements which are in a perceptible state, compose the exterior, or a 
negative state of material nature; Upon this principle, latent caloric, from the interior 
state of nature, is developed and diffused among perceptible elements, in the exterior state 
of nature, thereby causing terrific commotions in passing from the positive to the negative, 
or from the interior to the exterior state of material nature. 

Earth jiiakes and other subterraneous phenomena, may likewise be accounted for, by the 
above universal law. Such, however, conflicts with the views of those who assume that the 
iPj 3 Earth is a sphere of igneous fusion, (with the exception of an exterior crust, 
from thirty, to one hundred miles in thickness,) thereby causing earthquakes, and all other 
internal convulsions, by the emission of internal heat, gases, or steam of great elastici¬ 
ty generated by water, percolating the lower strata, or entering by fissures or cavities, and 
coming in contact with the heat of the incandescent lava, thereby producing great explo¬ 
sions. A_II 

It is very likely, that upon more mature investigation, scientific men will abandon the 
central heat theory, and come to the conclusion, that all internal as well as external, and 
aeriform changes, and convulsions, are necessarily caused by the great original principle, 
of interior polarity. 

There are numerous cases, in which, certain portions of the earth exhibit evidence of 
internal heat, but whether such heat is the result of central caloric, in a sensible state, 
such as incandescent lava, or whether it is the result of ethereal—caloric in a latent state, 
becoming sensible in the external elements, by the above named law. I claim that the 
latter is the case. 

The discussion of this does not belong to this work, and would not have been alluded 
to- had it not been by its “supporters” connected with the steam theory. 



44 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OP 


a collapse, or it may be directed against .one head of a boiler 
blowing it out. This phenomenon of explosions being directed 
in certain courses, is founded upon the principle of polarity; for ex¬ 
ample, if the atmosphere of a certain locality, is impregnated with 
explosive elements, and a steam boiler with water in active ebullition 
is brought within the sphere of its attraction, two poles, (the one a 
positive and the other a negative,) will be instantly established, the 
one at the extreme locality of the explosive element in the atmos¬ 
phere, and the other will be located in some part of the water of said 
boiler, for which it has the greatest affinity; both poles must form 
the line of the axis through the center of the explosive volume. 

Each of these poles must have a specific center, which specific center 
in the boiler, forms the center of the impregnated water, be it much 
or little; that portion of the water so impregnated with these explo¬ 
sive elements, combines in a spheroidic state, usually covering the 
flue or flues, with its specific polar center defined—when in this state, 
if an explosion takes place, it must be preceded by a change of 
poles, that is, the poles must follow the law of concentration, which 
destroys the line of mediumship, in which event the principle of 
polarity is established in the combined elements, which are at this 
period, within the boiler. The positive pole is that portion of the 
combined explosive elements in the spheroidic state, where the ex¬ 
plosion commences; the negative or opposite pole forms a point 
opposite; the explosive progress is from positive to negative. Now 
if the positive pole is immediately over the top of the flues, the neg¬ 
ative must be underneath, which is natural, and is usually the case, 
(from the fact that the furnace which is positive, and the steam room 
over the top, which is negative,) the two poles between, will 
naturally be reversed, so if an explosion takes place, it must be di¬ 
rected from positive to negative principles, and therefore would collapse 
the flues downward. But if a small volume of water near one end of 
a boiler were in the explosive condition, and the poles in a line with 
the axis of the boiler, the consequence would be that the head of the 
boiler would be blown cut. But if a large portion of the water 
in a steam boiler were in an explosive condition, a most violent frac¬ 
turing of the entire shell would be the result yet the main explosive 
force would be in the direction of the line of the principle poles. 
The explosions from these causes, do not act upon the principle of 
expansion, but upon that of reaction percussion from pole to pole, 
reacting in all directions; hence the tearing up, and shattering of the 
wood-work of steam vessels, and the twisting and curling up of 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


45 


boiler plates like leather.* A regular expansive force, be it ever so 
great, would not shatter the wood-work of boats, nor would it curl 
up boiler plates like leather. Such are the results only of those ex¬ 
plosive elements in nature, where the particles act and re-act through 
each other by fulminating percussion. Steam boilers do not explode 
from excessive steam pressure; steam pressure will only rupture a 
boiler, if increased beyond the strength of a shell; which would 
seldom be the case, and would not be productive of any serious con¬ 
sequences. It is the water that explodes in steam boilers with such 
great violence. A steam boiler may be exploded most violently, 
though it be filled with water, without leaving any steam space; pro¬ 
vided these aeriform elements, before alluded to are present. 

If then, steam boiler explosions are caused, (as before stated,) by 
the explosive combination of certain elements without, with those 
within a boiler, upon certain polar principles; what will be the natural 
and successful preventive ? 

If a man was sinking in fathomless water, by the force of gravity, 
what would save his life, other than opposite force, which is upon a 
mechanical polar principle; or if we wish to prevent our bodies from 
wasting, which is a negative polar condition : we must keep up the 
proper polar action, by a positive polar condition, which is done by 
supplying proper nutriment to the digestive functions, and pure air to 
the respiratory organs; or if we wish to repel darkness, we must pro¬ 
duce an excess of light, which is also established upon polar princi¬ 
ples ; or again, if we wish to conduct the impetuous thunder clap, 
harmless down the walls of our buildings, we must establish polar 
conditions—such as metalic rods, with the lower end deep in the moist 
earth, or immersed in water, which forms the base or negative pole, 
while the top end forms the positive. All nature is founded upon 
these principles—there is no ill in animal sensation, or vegetable life, 
but what has a remedy, or may be counteracted upon polar princi¬ 
ples ; while the whole mineral and aeriform kingdoms, in all their 
various changes act, and re-act, upon this universal original principle 
of polar conditions. If, then, this is a universal principle, which all 

* When the two original poles in the water become dissolved by an explosion, they are 
instantly fragmented into many poles of a positive and negative nature; these again in 
the instant of the explosive progress become fragmented into numerous poles of a less ter¬ 
rific character ; these again become fragmented into still smaller poles, and so on, extend¬ 
ing the volume of the explosion outward from the main original center, until their great 
number producing such minuteness, as to render the further explosion of poles harmless j 
yet theso polar explosions must continue increasing in numbers, while the sphere of their 
whole volume is extended to such a great distance in the surrounding atmosphere, until 
the further polar explosions become mutually neutralized in the atmosphere, in conse¬ 
quence of the loss of caloric in combination with the change of their elementary con- 
atitntion. 

This philosophy is applicable to all explosions, especially those of a ‘-fulminating” nature. 



46 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OP 


nature is impregnated with both animate, and inanimate, we have a 
clue to the mystery, and an answer to the question. We must study 
nature and obey her laws. If we study nature we learn her laws, 
and if, we obey her laws, we obviate her penalties. 

Then as steam boiler explosions are caused by the explosive com¬ 
bination of certain elements, upon polar principles. From well known 
Jaws of nature, we may be able to establish polar conditions between 
the watery elements within the steam boiler, and the aeriform ele¬ 
ments without, so as to form a perfect safe-guard. And in order to 
accomplish this, we must place a copper covering over iron steam 
boilers, extending down the sides and ends, as far as the fire lines, 
with a small air space between. This combination of these specific 
metals with the air space, does, upon the great principles of polarity, 
answer two important purposes. Copper is positive in this case, 
while iron is negative. Copper and iron in this peculiar arrangement 
constitutes a positive pole to the external aerifovm column or volume of 
explosive elements, repeling, and therefore destroying their affinity 
for the elements within—while at the same time, and for similar reas¬ 
ons, it constitutes a negative pole, to the explosive elements within 
the boiler, thereby conducting off the excess of caloric, from the ex¬ 
plosive elements within, (if there be any,) which may have obtained 
access through the supply pump, or otherwise. The copper covering 
which in this case, is positive to the iron, and being in contact with 
the external elements, forms a positive and repeling pole, while the 
iron which in this case, is negative to the copper, and in contact with 
the internal elements, forms a negative, and therefore a conductive or 
absorbing pole, which destroys the combining polar conditions within 
the boiler, while the positive pole without, destroys the attractive and 
concentrative polar conditions of these dangerous elements, which 
under certain conditions exist outside of the steam boiler. 

Having arrived at the foregoing conclusions, by a close observation 
of nature’s laws—which were followed by a series of well directed 
experiments, I have supported and established the foregoing 
philosophy, by actual demonstrations. 

That water may be exploded in the laboratory under certain con¬ 
ditions, chemists will admit; they will also admit that there exists a 
chemical affinity between certain materials, which must exist upon the 
principle of polarity ; and why not admit that this principle is a univer¬ 
sal law of nature, which it evidently is. It will be further admitted that 
there are under certain conditions, substances in the atmosphere, (such 
as the odoriferous principles of plants, the miasmata of marshes and 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS 


47 


other matters of contagion, the presence, although sufficiently obvious, 
to the sense of smell, or by tlieir effects upon the human constitution,) 
that cannot be detected by chemical tests. Then may it not be, that 
there exists in the atmosphere other substances, that have heretofore 
been equally beyond chemical detection ? And if such be the case, 
may it not be consistent with nature, that there are substances in the 
atmosphere combined with caloric in a latent state, that will upon 
polar principles, penetrate a steam boiler, and unite with the water 
under a certain state of ebullition, and form an explosive compound ? 
Scientfic men should ponder, before deciding upon the subject before 
us ! We have said that water may be exploded in the laboratory ; it 
may also be done without entering a laboratory ; it is done in numer¬ 
ous instances in the blacksmith shop upon the anvil. It is a usual 
practice among blacksmiths, to dip the hammer into water, dropping 
it on the anvil, and holding a red hot iron nearly in contact with it 
and giving it a blow with the hammer, which instantly developes the 
latent caloric of the water when detonation, or explosion with a loud 
report ensues. Water may also be exploded in a common pail by 
pouring into it certain quantities of fused metal. If, then, water can 
be exploded under various circumstances, which must be admitted by 
practicle men, is it irrational to admit that it may be exploded in a 
steam boiler, if impregnated with a penetrable element combined with 
latent caloric, which is set free by the contraction of polar conditions ? 
If water is thus exploded, no one can doubt the terrific result a 
magazine of gun powder would not exceed it. And there is no safety, 
for the water in a steam boiler under fourteen pounds per inch pres¬ 
sure, ma} r as well explode as that under five hundred pounds. When¬ 
ever the engineer finds, (as he thinks,) that the water is too rapidly 
sinking below the try-cocks, he may be assured that it is assuming a 
spheroid state, in which case he should instantly warn all those with¬ 
in the reach of danger to retreat, as the event of an explosion is 
rapidly approaching, unless counteracted by its natural preventive. 

In order to ascertain by actual demostration, whether the cause and 
preventive of steam boiler explosions, (as before stated,) have a 
foundation in the true science of nature, a series of well directed ex¬ 
periments were made accordingly. These experiments have been re¬ 
peated from time to time, during a long and tedious series, and have 
been entirely satisfactory. 

Several of these experiments will be given in detail, to show how 
they harmonize with the true cause and preventive of steam boiler 
explosions. 


40 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OP 


The locality selected for these experiments was about one mile 
South-East of Dayton on the limestone strata, in a ravine about ten 
feet below the adjacent ground, and on a level with the limestone 
strata. This locality was selected purposely, as it was thought, if 
there are any elements in an aeriform state that will penetrate and 
eombine with the water in a steam boiler, that a locality of such de¬ 
scription would likely be well adapted for experimenting. 

For experimenting, a number of cylindrical boilers were made, 12 
inches in length, and 8 inches in diameter—*the iron in the shell being 
made of charcoal manufacture, .02 of inch thick. These boilers 
were constructed so as to give the joints more strength than usual, this 
being acomplished by giving them a coat of solder before riveting; and 
after riveting, a soldering-iron was drawn over the joints to cause a 
perfect cementing of the joints. Each boiler thus prepared was furn¬ 
ished with a safety valve of a certain area in order to indicate the 
exact internal steam pressure. 

The furnace being constructed of building stones, weighing from 
100 to 150 lbs. each, and laid up in a temporary manner, to the 
height of 18 inches; the outside of it was embanked with earth to 
prevent the heat from the fuel passing off through the crevices. The 
frame upon which the boiler rested, was made of bar-iron by 1^ 
inches, and of such length as to form a frame 7f by 13 inches—the 
corners being fastened together by ^ bolts. This iron frame was 
placed on the stone furnace—the boiler Avas placed within the iron 
frame, which Avas constructed so as to receive nearly half its diameter. 
The safety-valve adjusting apparatus, Avas fastened on the top of the 
boiler; from it extended a thin wire to the distance of 150feet, Avhere 
it was attached to a spiral spring scales, for the purpose of accurately 
weighing the steam pressure. A heavy fencing rail AYas laid, nearly 
on a balance across the boiler, to keep it to its place Avhile the Avire 
was drawn to force doAvn the safety-valve, which had a tendency to 
draAv the boiler out of the furnace. All things thus adjusted the 
copper covering Avas placed over the boiler, the latter Avas half filled Avith 
water—the fire was then urged until the pressure indicated 250 lbs. per 
square inch—in which case the heads Avere forced outward like an air 
bubble, against the cross bars of the iron frame, rupturing the joints, 
causing leakages that gradually relieved the boiler of its press¬ 
ure. The boiler Avas removed, and repaired, and the second, third, 
fourth and fifth trials resulted in similar ruptures. This boiler hav¬ 
ing been repaired in many places, was laid aside and a new one sub¬ 
stituted. To preA r ent the bulging of the heads, (as before stated,) 


STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


49 


two pieces of iron 14 - inch square, and inch thick were placed be¬ 
tween each head of the boiler, and the cross bars of the iron frame 
The fire was replenished from time to time, until the steam attained 
a pressure of 250 lbs. per inch, when the furnace was once more filled 
with fuel; after the lapse of a few minutes the safety-valve indicated 
280 lbs. per inch pressure.* At this great pressure, which was 14000 
lbs. against each head, no rupture ensued, but, the joints being over- 
come by excessive pressure, gave vent, which relieved the boiler of 
30 lbs. per inch pressure, and when thus reduced to 250 lbs. leakages 
ceased, and the fire was extinguished, and the steam blown off by the 
safety-valve. The same boiler, after being half filled with water, was 
put on the furnace as before—with this difference, however, the 
(safety cover) was removed. The furnace in this experiment was 
only once filled with fuel, as it was thought highly dangerous to at¬ 
tempt to replenish it while the copper cover was removed. The 
safety-valve was adjusted so as to require 250 lbs. per inch pressure, 
to lift it. The steam pressure gradually increased to 225 lbs. per 
inch, when it became stationary, in consequence of the fuel being ex- 
nausted. After a few minutes, the safety-valve indicated a steam 
pressure, less than 190 lbs. being an unusually rapid decrease of press¬ 
ure, which was evidence that a contraction of the elements within the 
boiler, was in progress—and which I anticipated would result in an 
explosion. I accordingly prepared to take every observation possible, 
(being 200 feet from the boiler. In a few moments, a most terrific 
explosion occurred, which blowed everything into fragments; the 
stone furnace was broken into pieces and scattered over the ground* 
some 50 feet around—two stones left whole weighing 90 and 95 lbs 
were carried six feet from their position—the chimney which was a 
six inch stove pipe, and three feet in length, was curled up like curled 
hair, and carried into the air, as high as a tall hickory tree, stood 
near, and fell over 100 feet from the explosion. The rail that was laid 
across the boiler, was broken into three pieces, the end pieces were 
projected on a horizontal line, a distance of 30 feet—the middle piece 
4 feet long and weighing 16 lbs. was projected from appearance about 
50 feet high, and was found 82 feet from the explosion—the ground 
was covered with fragments of stone, iron, boards and wood, (which 
were used about the furnace,) for 200 feet around—the boiler, which 
was rent by angular fractures, and flattened out, was carried some 20 
feet—the sides of the iron furnace frame, which were of iron, J inch thick 


*280 lbs. pressure in the above boiler, would be equal to 700 lbs. per square inch in a 
boiler 40 inches in diameter; and is 56000 lbs. per inch section, and is as much as the best of 
iron will bear. A 



50 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OF 


and 6 inches wide, were rent and curled up like leather, and carried 30 
feet—one head of the boiler, was found 73 feet and the other 75 feet 
from the explosion—-the front furnace bar|-by 1 finches and 10 inches 
long, weighing 4 lbs., was torn from the bolts, and projected 156 feet. 

This explosion was one of extraordinary character, and proves 
several important points, beyond all controversy. 

1st. The exploded volume, which was at the instant of the explo¬ 
sion distinctly seen, to be that of a sphere; its dimensions being cal¬ 
culated from the range of certain conspicuous objects, placed at each 
side of the furnace for that purpose—and after making all reasonable 
allowances, it w r as ascertained that the exploded volume was at least 
15 feet in diameter, making 10366 volumes, that of the steam space 
in the boiler, which is 300 cubic inches. If such had been simple 
steam at 190 lbs. per inch, (which the scales indicated,) and instantly 
relieved from its confinement, it would have expanded to a sphere of 
only 21 inches in diameter—and to 16 volumes its former confined 
state. But instead of the latter law of simple steam expansion, from 
1 to 16 volumes, we see that the explosion, was from 1 to 10366 
volumes—a great difference indeed, but, not more than is necassary to 
produce such a violent explosion. 

2nd. The water did explode—this is evident, from the fact that no 
appearance of any was discovered immediately after the explosion, 
either on the ground, or projected pieces of boards, wood, and rails, 
that lay near, at the time of the explosion. Another evidence that the 
water exploded, is that the heads of the boiler were driven outward, 
below the water level, with great violence, at the instant of the explo¬ 
sion. The heads bear positive evidence, (sufficient to convince any 
rational man,*) from certain breaks which they received in the act of 
projection out of the iron furnace frame, that the explosion was de¬ 
veloped in the boiler below the w'ater level. 

3d. The explosion was forward, from the fact that the boiler shell, 
boiler heads, iron furnace frame, most of the stone furnace, safety-valve 
apparatus, and every thing around the furnace and connected with the 
boiler was projected forward, with the exception of the chimney. A 
regular expansive force, such as the elasticity of steam, or atmosphere, 
does act equally in all directions, it will not project the aft head of a 
boiler forward,. 

If such were the character of steam, it could not be relied on as a 
motive power, for it might with the same propriety act only in one di¬ 
rection, in a working cylinder; and that direction, might per chance 


* These fractures are preserved, and may be seen with the marks referred to. 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


51 


be in the direction of the cylinder head, without making any im¬ 
pression upon the piston head.* 

4th. It will be remembered that this boiler was set into a strong iron 
frame, with a piece of iron 1 ^ inches square, and f thick placed 
tight between the cross bars of the iron frame and the center of the 
boiler heads, in order to keep the boiler heads from bulging, with the 
high pressure; in the explosion, the percussion was so great on the 
heads, as to force the lower part of the iron blocks through the boiler 
heads, causing a square break of 1 inch in the aft head, and one of 
2-^ inches in the front head—the metal in the heads was .09 of an inch 
thick. Now how much power was necessary to force those iron blocks 
through the heads as above stated ? This can be answered on the 
principle of punching—it requires about 12000 lbs. pressure on a| 
inch punch, to punch iron sheets the thickness, of those heads—and a 
2-j- inch break is equal to more than a f inch punch. At the instant 
before the explosion, the internal steam pressure against the heads, 
was but 9500 lbs., lacking, 2500 lbs. of the requisite pressure, to 
force those blocks through the heads, even if the pressure exerted 
against the entire surface of the head, were brought to bear upon that 
point, which was not the case, however,—from a close examination 
of the break, in connection with experiments causing similar breaks, it 
is evident that in the above case, the whole pressure ot at least 12000 
lbs., must necessarily have been brought closely along the edge of the 
break, not extending to an area of more than a square* inch. For 
example, if a plate of iron 8 inches in diameter and .09 of an inch thick 
be laid upon a block of iron 1-| inch square, and an atmospheric or 
hydrostatic pressure is brought to bear upon its surface, for the pur¬ 
pose of pressing a hole through it, none of such pressure will be of 
any service, only that which is directly over the sides of the iron 
block, the balance will only have a tendency to bend the plate. 

Again if it were simple steam pressure, that caused those square 
breaks in the boiler heads, why not cause them when two hours before 
with the same boiler, the steam pressure was 280 lbs. per inch, equal 
to 14000 lbs. against the heads—this whole pressure against the 
heads, was resting against those square blocks of iron. Again why 
did it not explode at 280 lbs.,f Every circumstance connected with 
this explosion proves clearly, that a combination of explosive elements 
occurred. 

* A solution of this is found in the treatment of polar principles. 

t Such is often the case, that boilers explode most violently, while the steam gage indi¬ 
cates less pressure than the boilers bore on former occasions ; this proves that they explode 
by a cause aside from steam pressure. 



52 


CAUSE AND PREVENTIVE OF 


And in no case, of man} 7 experiments, did an explosion occur when 
the safety cover was attached, though in all cases, the pressure was 
finally increased until the boilers ruptured at the weakest point, which 
relieved them of excessive pressure, without doing auy further 
damage. 

It has also been ascertained by experiments, that the copper cover 
was the cause of generating and retaining, with the same amount of 
fuel, a more uniform working steam pressure. In two experiments, 
however, it was ascertained, (remarkable as it may appear,) that the 
pressure was raised in six minutes, from 40 to 250 lbs.; at this period 
of the experiment, the boiler apparently became enveloped with an 
aeriform substance, of a blue appearance, and the steam was in a few 
moments lost. A second fire was raised, and a similar result followed 
—and a third also, after this, there was an attempt made to replenish 
the fire again, when it was ascertained that the copper cover was ex¬ 
cessively hot—and upon further examination, it was ascertained that 
there was no water in the boiler, although it was half full, one half 
hour previous—yet no steam was blown off by the safety-valve, nor 
were there any perceptible leakages. At this period the copper cover 
was examined, and proved to be intensely heated, and of such a 
singular nature, that drops of water that were thrown upon it, were 
repelled in such a manner, as proved clearly the extraordinary polar 
power in this case. And the copper cover, with 'the iron boiler, 
after being removed from the furnace, retained this degree of 
heat, and repelling power to such a great length of time, as was 
truly remarkable.* 

In many experiments that were afterwards made one only, present¬ 
ed the above characteristic in every particular, with the exception 
that a portion of the water remained in the boiler. 

Many experiments of various characters were made, but it is 
deemed unnecessary to refer to them, as they harmonize with those 
already alluded to. 

In conclusion, I would state, that after much research, in connec- 


^If such a state of things w ould cccur on a steamer, the consequence would he, that the 
engines would instantly cease action. There is no doubt, but that there were two violent 
explosions obviated in those two cases by the copper covering. The water in these cases 
may have been impregnated with explosive elements, before it wfm-put into the boilers, and 
when, combining in a certain state of ebullition toforman exploftve compound, while the 
caloric necessary for the perfect union thereof, was conducted off by the polar condition 
of the copper and iron. The query may be, what become of the water in those two cases, 
did it penetrate the iron ? The answer is, it did not penetrate the iron in its fluid, or even 
gasouse state, but it may by polar conditions have been converted into its original 
etneical-caloric state, in which state it would not only penetrate, or permeate iron, but 
a y °., 1 ' er - instances that man is acquainted with. That the elements that man is acquaint¬ 
ed with, in the. solid, liquid, gaseous,or aeriform state, have been developed from ethereal- 
caloric, ma y involve an argument which is reserved for a future work of a different 



STEAM BOILER EXPLOSIONS. 


53 


lion with much experimenting of various kinds, the conclusion natu¬ 
rally arrived at, is, that all formations, and combinations of matter, 
contain the indelible qualities, of their original nature, which is 

ethereal* caloric. All subsequent combinations of matter in the 
aeriform, gaseous, liquid, and solid state, are only developments of the 
above named original nature, upon the principle of natural polar¬ 
ity. And this original ethereal caloric, in a latent state, pervades all 
subsequent material nature. And under a similar condition of natu¬ 
ral polarity, matter either in the solid, liquid, gaseous, or aeriform state, 
may be decomposed, so as to assume the ethereal caloric state 
again. Ethereal caloric, in a latent state, constitutes the aeriform 
or external elements, (spoken of) which often surround and permeates 
a steam boiler, thereby forming a union with the water—and upon 
more perfect polar conditions, the water or a portion thereof, is in¬ 
stantly decomposed into the gaseous, and thence into the ethereal 
caloric state. 

If the water in a steam boiler were instantly converted into the 
perfect ethereal-caloric state, then boilers would not explode, because 
this substance will permeate iron, like light does transparent objects. 
But the explosion occurs while the water passes from the liquid, to the 
gaseous, and from the gaseous, to the ethereal-caloric state. 
Sometimes the explosion may occur, ( if there is much water in the 
explosive condition, ) between the liquid and gaseous state, and at 
other times, if there is but little water in the explosive condition, and 
the boiler strong—the explosive progress within the boiler, may be 
carried beyond the gaseous state, before the shell will yield. 

By a careful perusal of the foregoing pages, it will be seen that I 
attribute all steam boiler explosions to one cause, which may be 
termed Ethereal-caloric. 

Ether prevades all material nature, and all unoccupied space ; its 
character is of the highest mobilty. Caloric in a latent state, pre¬ 
vades all material nature only—some portions of material nature 
posses a higher degree of latent caloric, than other portions; while 
ether is distributed uniformly throughout all material nature, as well 
as unoccupied space. Ether being uniformly established throughout 
all nature, is endowed with the original or positive characteristic. 
While latent caloric pervades material nature only, and that in various 
degrees, which gives it a negative characteristic to ether. 

Latent caloric exists in the atmosphere, more abundant in some 

* The term ethereal should not be confounded with the fluid known in chemistry, by the 
name of ether. 



54 


HEATING APPARATUS. 


localities, * than in others, therefore combining with ether, which 
constitutes ethereal-caloric. And thus ethereal-caloric, becomes 
a positive pole in the atmosphere. And as a positive pole, cannot 
exist in nature, without a radiation of its peculiar condition upon some 
object, or substance of an impressible, or absorbing nature, which 
constitutes a negative, or absorbing pole, therefore this aeriform ethe¬ 
real-caloric must seek an oposite pole, which is often the water in a 
steam boiler. 

The combiningof the water, and the above named elements,up onthe 
principle of natural polarity, causing the development of latent heat 
of such intensity, and peculiarity, as to decompose the water, or a 
portion thereof instantly into the gaseous, and thence into the 
ethereal-caloric state. 


HEATING APPARATUS. 

Of the many artificial evils that have been introduced among civil¬ 
ized nations, the artificial mode of heating dwellings, is probably 
one of the most destructive to human life. The ordinary iron heat 
diffusing devices now in use, (such as stoves, furnaces, (fee.,) are one 
of those great evils that has been gradually introduced by civilization. 
From the almost universal practice of heating apartments with the 
ordinary iron stoves, all classes and conditions of the human family 
are subjected to its pernicious influences. Not only are the olfactory 
nerves affected by the vitiated atmosphere radiated from iron heated 
surfaces , but the pulmonary organs become so deranged that they 
will not fully perform their natural functions, which often lays the 
foundation of that frightful catalogue of pulmonary diseases, that pre¬ 
vails to such an enormous extent among those nations that live in ar¬ 
tificially heated apartments. The economy of the animal kingdom is 
so arranged, that each individual organ is intended by nature to har¬ 
monize with the whole combination of organs, (belonging to an indi¬ 
vidual being,) without causing any derangement or disease until the 
entire complicated machinery is with old age worn out. 

According to the best chemical analysis, atmospheric air contains 
by weight 23.10, by volume 20.90 per cent, of oxygen, and by weight 76.90 
by volume 79.10 per cent, of nitrogen, with traces of carbonic acid gas, 
and a variable quantity of watery vapor. 

Atmospheric air inhaled by the lungs, compared with that which is ex¬ 
haled from the lungs will show that it underwent a change j the tempertaure 

* Those localities where the inflamable gasses exist to a greater extent. 




HEATING APPARATUS. 


55 


is raised to that of the body, or about 99° Fahr., while the oxygen is 
diminished about 4.40 per cent, by the process of respiration ; and the exhal¬ 
ed air contains a corresponding portion of carbonic acid. This shows that 
the oxygen in the process of respiration has changed so as to yield, if 
chemically tested, about 4.40 per cent, of carbonic acid. The oxygen in¬ 
haled by the lungs unites with the carbonaceous matter of the dark blood, 
and forms carbonic acid, which is expired, leaving the blood of a bright 
red color. This process of cleansing the blood with oxygen takes place 
once at every breath or inspiration. If this re-invigorating process within 
our lungs should be suspended, we would live but a short period. 

From chemical tests it does not appear that nitrogen undergoes much 
of a change by respiration. The absorbtion of nitrogen into the body by 
the lungs, is a subject upon which chemists disagree. 

The foregoing in italics is a view of the subject based upon certain 
chemical experiments, and should only be received as true, so far as 
the experiments are applicable to the subject under consideration. 

Let us now take a natural view of this important subject. The organiza¬ 
tion and combination of the human constitution is a developement of 
nature subsequent to that of atmospheric air. The pre-existence of at¬ 
mospheric air, is evidence that it was not compounded to be adapted to 
the human constitution ; but the human constitution in its formation by 
natural laws is adapted to the respiration of natural atmospheric air. 
From this natural view of the subject, it may be clearly seen, that if 
we disturb the air in its natural combination, by artificial apparatus, 
(such as the ordinary iron stoves, Ac.,) we vitiate it, or in other words, 
it is rendered unfit to support respiration. And we need not apply 
chemical apparatuses to ascertain whether the atmosphere is rendered 
noceuous, or unfit for respiration ; the human constitution is the best 
aerometer, especially if it has been for a long time living in obedience 
to natures laws, in which case it becomes almost perfect in detecting 
the state of the atmosphere. An individual who has been, (as before 
stated,) living in obedience to natures laws, especially if he has been 
breathing pure natural air for some time, can discover a great differ¬ 
ence in the air the moment he enters an apartment that is artificially 
heated with the ordinary iron stoves, furnaces, Ac., now in use. It 
produces a similar effect upon his constitution as the atmosphere in a 
crowded assembly does, or that of an ill ventilated room. All persons 
do more or less feel sensible of the unhealthy state of the atmosphere 
in stove rooms, and other ill-ventilated apartments, it produces a coma 
—that is destructive to health, and finally lays the foundation for many 
diseases in after life. Those who are for a long time subjected to such 


56 


HEATING APPARATUS. 


unhealthy atmosphere, become so accustomed to it that they finally 
become insensible to the noxiousness thereof—while at the same time 
the effect upon the constitution is like that of a virulent canker. I 
have often been surprised upon entering assemblys in ill-constructed 
halls, stove rooms, private and public offices, and even filthy cities, 
(all of these places contain an artificial vitiated state of the atmos¬ 
phere,) where men, women and children are subjected to this growing 
canker, where they can remain for hours, and inhale into their systems 
that which to them is poison. Human beings ought not to allow their 
lungs to be inflated for even one minute with such a great distroyer of 
human life. Although it may seem out of place here, yet before clos¬ 
ing this paragraph, I consider myself under moral obligation to present 
to the reader at least an abstract hint of the artificial e; ils that have 
silently been introduced into what men call civilization: such as a 
densely populated city which is a great source of accumulating filth, 
thereby causing the atmosphere for miles around unfit for healthy res¬ 
piration—and the annual consumption of immense quantities of unnat¬ 
ural stimulating meats and drinks; besides many other intemperate 
habits—and many thousand tons of that most noxious weed “ tobacco ” 
which is annually used—and rivers of intoxicating liquors that are 
drank instead of that pure water that nature has provided for all ani¬ 
mated beings. The foregoing are the heads of many branches of 
destructive evils, that fill your cemeterys with many millions of human 
beings of a premature age—while the hereditary influence thereof, 
aims the immutable penalty at the existence of the human race ! Re¬ 
liable statistics show that some of those nations which stand first in 
what is termed civilization,* have had their generations reduced in a 
short period from seventy years duration down to twenty-five years! 
This is a gloomy picture ; but it is only an abstract of the reality. 
Those advanced nations will be scourged with diseases, and consequent¬ 
ly with a diminution of generations, until they learn nature’s laws and 
practice obedience thereto. And there is no other power to save us 
from disease and degeneracy than that of learning and obeying na¬ 
ture’s laws. 

The heads of evils as stated in the foregoing paragraph, are but the 
legitimate offspring of one parent cause (the chief monarch) of hu¬ 
man disease, debility, degeneracy and death. And this one parent 
cause is a vitiated state of the atmosphere—a state that does not sup¬ 
port healthy respiration. The animal economy in its various phe¬ 
nomena, connected with all surrounding circumstances and conditions, 

*The United States of America. 


HEATING APPARATUS. 


57 


shows clearly that the healthy condition and development of the entire 
complicated organization of the human constitution, depends upon the 
respiration of perfectly pure, natural and congenial atmospheric air. 
Let the kind parent bestow ever so much care upon the beloved off¬ 
spring, though it be proper clothing, natural food and drink, perfect 
cleanliness, proper exercise and proper rest, and everything else of a 
temporary nature; yet if the great natural law of healthy and con¬ 
genial respiration is violated, that is, if the parent permits the child’s 
residing in a place or locality where the atmosphere is in a vitiated 
state, either from artificial causes or otherwise, the child, while in this 
latter condition, will not develop that great intellect, nor will it obtain 
that healthy physical constitution, or gain that longevity, which would 
have been the consequence, if this most essential law of respiration 
had not been infringed. Even an individual, lor example, who has 
fortunately been placed in the most favorable circumstances, and has 
thereby obtained a bright moral and intellectual nature, and a well 
proportioned and healthy physical constitution, may become morally 
and intellectually degraded, and physically debilitated by being sub¬ 
sequently continually subjected to the breathing of vitiated atmos¬ 
pheric air. A vitiated state of the air that we breath, or an unhealthy 
respiration, is more detrimental to the moral, intellectual and physical 
constitution than all other causes combined, by which we are surround¬ 
ed—it blunts the higher nature of the mind, producing a kind of 
coma, in which state the inferior animal and selfish qualities of the 
mind assume the government of the whole organization—stimulating 
it to selfish desires that leads to licentiousness, debauchery and deg- 
redation—this is abundantly manifest throughout the civilized world 
—and for the evidence the reader need only be refered to those places, 
and localities where the air is most foul, or vitiated—there can be 
seen a gloomy verification of the foregoing. 

A healthy respiration is the main-spring of our vital actions—it re- 
invigorates the healthy and higher nature of all animated beings at 
every inspiration. To ascertain the influence of respiration upon the 
animal economy, we nead only try the experiment. If respiration is 
voluntarialy suspended, although the other absorbents of the body be 
left undisturbed, death will close the experiment in a few moments ; * 
while if the other absorbents are suspended, and the healthy respira- 

* The well known circumstances that occurred in the Black Hole in Calcutta, is evidence 
of the importance of pure air. “In this dungeon, eighteen feet square, and haying only two 
windows on the same side to admit air. one hundred and forty six men were immured, in 
six hours ninety-six of them died from suffocation; and in the morning, when the uoors 
were opene only twenty three out of the whole number remained alive.’ 



58 


HEATING APPARATUS. 


tion left undisturbed, life will comparatively be retained a great length 
of time. This shows that all the functions of the animal economy 
are dependent upon a healthy respiration as a prime mover of the 
complicated machinery. Then if our happiness as a consequence of 
the healthy state of our physical in connection with the intellectual 
and moral constitution, depends upon a natural and healthy respiration, 
how important is it for mankind to endeavor to obtain pure air, and 
preserve at all times a perfectly congenial and healthy respiration. 
Besides public artificial means of manufacturing vitiated atmosphere, 
(as before stated,) civilization has adopted a private mode of destroy¬ 
ing the vital qualities of the air—this is done in offices, work-shops, 
parlors, kitchens and even sleeping rooms, by the ordinary heat diffus¬ 
ing apparatuses. This artificial practice of vitiating the atmosphere 
in our dwellings with stoves, furnaces, &c., has become such a mani¬ 
fest evil, that practical physiologists, and reformers have again and 
again protested against such practices. 

But what will we do, these heat diffusing inventions are safe, con¬ 
venient and economical as far as fuel is concerned, is the universal 
response. Is there any mode by which we can continue the use of 
our favorite stoves, and other heat diffusing devices without 
impairing the purity of the atmosphere in our apartments ? The 
answer is, nature in her vast repository has a preventive in this 
case, as well as she has a sovereign balm for every ill, if properly un¬ 
derstood. In order to apply the preventive, we must first learn the 
cause. Atmospheric air is composed of several gases, and vapor, 
these contain within their atomic constitutions, ether combined with 
latent caloric—these are the only two original elements combined that 
support combustion and respiration. Those two elements are the same 
that were alluded to under the head of Steam Boiler Explosions, and 
are governable by a similar apparatus. An ordinary stove or heat- 
diffusing device, with fire in it, constitutes a negative or absorbing 
pole—abstracting these two life invigorating elements from the atmos¬ 
phere, and depositing them around the heated surface-—which they 
uniformly permeate and uniting with the gases of the combustibles in 
their ascent through the smoke-pipe, leave the air around the stove or 
other heated surface, destructive to the human constitution. 

All that we have to do, then, is to reverse this state of things, which 
may be accomplished by forming an opposite or repelling pole around 
the stove or other heat-diffusing surface. 

To constitute a repelling pole it is necessary, (as in steam boilers,) to 
form a covering or casing of sheet copper around the heated surface. 


HEATING APPARATUS. 


59 


This prevents the ethereal-caloric from being abstracted from the 
atmosphere in our apartments---it radiates the heat more uniformly 
throughout a room—-besides saving a large per-centage of fuel. 

The reason why the atmosphere in apartments heated with the or¬ 
dinary fire-place, or open grate is more healthy and congenial to the 
human constitution, than that in rooms heated with the ordinary 
stoves, furnaces, &c., is obvious, from the nature and construction of 
these heat-diffusing apparatuses. In the case of the open grate, and 
fire-place, the smoke passage in the chimneys is usually constructed 
proportionate to the hearth opening, or heat radiating surface, so that 
the whole current of atmosphere composed (as before stated,) of 
several gases, vapor, and ethereal-caloric, that passes from the room 
into the fire, is carried upward through the smoke-passage. This con¬ 
stant draft of atmospheric air from a room into the fire-place, thence 
up the smoke-passage, inclines to produce a vacuum in the room 
which is alternately supplied from without through the crevices of the 
windows, doors, key-holes, and other inlets ; thereby supplying natu¬ 
ral air to the inmates, for healthy respiration. 

With regard to stoves, furnaces and all other metalic, or even non- 
metalic heat diffusing surfaces, the case is different. These heat dif¬ 
fusing surfaces are so constructed, that the atmospheric current pass¬ 
ing from the room through their construction, is very small in propor¬ 
tion to the heated surface exposed to the atmosphere in the room. 
This reveals the whole mystery of unhealthv stove rooms. Instead 
of an atmosphere exhausted of its ethereal-caloric in a room uniformly 
passing up the chimney, (as is the case of the fire-place, or open grate) 
it only is deposited against the heated surface, with the exception of a 
small current that passes by the draft of the stove, or other heating 
apparatus, off by the smoke-pipe. The ethereal-coloric combined 
with the atmosphere, is upon polar principles deposited around the 
heated surface, penetrating it and passing off through the smoke-pipe, 
while the gases that constitute the atmosphere do not penetrate me¬ 
talic surfaces, and are therefore left in the room. This process of 
sifting the life-invigorating principle (ethereal-caloric) out of the at¬ 
mosphere in a room through the heated metalic surfaces of stoves 
&c., is continually going on while those surfaces are in a heated state; 
thereby leaving such rooms filled with the gasses that constitute the 
negative state of the atmosphere, (named oxygen, nitrogen and car¬ 
bonic acid,) neither of these gasses uncombined with the positive 
nature (ethereal-caloric) can support combustion, or respiration. 
Respiration is only combustion in a more complicated, or rather im- 


60 


heating apparatus. 


perceptible state—for example, fuel, such as wood, coal and other 
combustibles, are negative substances, and in an uncombined state, 
would not contain the cause of self-consumption, or self combustion— 
but combined with the positive nature, (ethereal-caloric,) which is 
the true cause of combustion, fuel is rapidly consumed. So with the 
animal constitution, it is so arranged that all the absorbents are inlets 
for these most essential elements as well as the cutaneous system or 
skin—food and drink that is taken into the system contains these posi¬ 
tive elements. Absorbtion, exhalation, digestion, secretion and excre¬ 
tion, are only combustion in a higher state of combination—while the 
process of combustion is more obviously manifested in the process of 
respiration. If a human being were confined in a close room without 
the possible inlet of air from without, death would be the result in a 
short time, in consequence of the exhausted state of the atmosphere; 
that is the ethereal-caloric existing in the atomic constitution of the 
atmosphere, is abstracted by the process of inhalation, and consumed 
or converted into a life-invigorator in the lungs in the process of res¬ 
piration or combustion at every inspiration unti'l the whole is abstract¬ 
ed leaving the room filled with simple atmospheric gases. 

Such is precisely the case with the ordinary metalic heat diffusing 
devices now in use ; the stove, or other heated surface, (like the lungs,) 
abstracts the ethereal-caloric, and sifting it through the heated surface, 
leaving the atmospheric gases in a simple or unnatural state. If the 
room for the experiment were constructed perfectly air-tight, with a 
metalic stove in operation, and a man confined in the room, he would 
live but a short time, inconsequence of the heated surface abstracting 
from the surrounding atmosphere the vital principle, (ethereal-caloric,) 
thereby depriving the lungs of those two elements which are the prime 
cause of combustion and respiration—in the absence of which, the 
animated state of the physical body must cease. 

Thus it is evident, in order to continue life at all in a stove room, that 
air must be admitted from without, in addition to that which the luno-s 
destroy, to supply that which the heated surface of the stove vitiates. 
For example, if 6 lbs. of fuel, in a stove of 10 square feet exposed 
surface, will vitiate 2400 cubic feet of atmosphere in an air-tight room 
in raising the temperature in 20 minutes from 64 Q to 100° Fahr., then 
it is evident in order to restore the atmosphere in the room, these 
2400 cubic feet of vitiated air must first be expelled, or drawn off by 
ventilation, and its volume supplied by pure atmospheie from without, 
which would require an additional 6 lbs. of fuel to heat it from 64° 
to 100° Fahr., and this fresh supply of air will, as before stated, be 


HEATING APPARATUS. 


61 


vitiated in consequence of the heated surface, so that a continual and 
copious ventilation on account of the heated surface will be necessary in 
order to obtain atmosphere in a stove or furnace room that will sup¬ 
port respiration—which at best only supports the human constitution 
in a debilitated state—besides requiring double the amount of fuel to 
keep the apartment heated to a comfortable degree of temperature. 
It is evident from the foregoing that if we can by any device preserve 
perfectly pure, and healthy, atmosphere in stove or furnace heated 
apartments without extra ventilation, or in other words, outlets of the 
heated air from those apartments, other than that which passes through 
the stove, or furnace by simple draft, that we economise nearly fifty 
per cent, in fuel. In this case it would only be necessary to admit air 
from without to supply that which becomes vitiated from the exhala¬ 
tion of the lungs—and it being comparatively little to that rendered 
noxious by 10, 20, or 30 square feet, (as the case may be,) of iron 
heated surface. 

The foregoing has been established by practical demonstrations. 
This improvement can be used in sleeping rooms, private and public 
apartments, hospitals or asylums, and all other institutions with per¬ 
fect impunity. It is founded upon natures laws, and therefore can be 
relied on. If generally adopted in practice, it would save thousands, 
and probably millions, from a premature grave, throughout this coun¬ 
try alone. 


PATENT. 

Application was made by the Author, January 11th, 1855, at the 
United States Patent Office, for Letters Patent, for the invention re¬ 
lating to Steam Boilers, and all Iron Heat Diffusing Devices, (as before 
described,) for which Letters Patent were issued July 3d, 1855. It 
may be proper to state that the foregoing pages, (although in the 
Preface dedicated to the investigation of practical men,) were partly 
written in answer to certain scientific interrogatories, put to the inven¬ 
tor by the office, during the examination of the application. Some of 
the proof-sheets were forwarded to the Commissioner of Patents, prior 
to the final determination of the case. 

















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